Ukraine badminton player rejects Russians at worlds

Ukrainian badminton player Polina Buhrova said competing at the world championships in New Delhi was a show of defiance, and criticised the participation of Russian players under a neutral flag.

Buhrova and her doubles partner Yevheniia Kantemyr, who are based in Italy away from their families, lost in the first round of the women's doubles on Monday.

The 22-year-old Buhrova said she and Kantemyr wanted to show that Ukraine was still fighting. She asked: "How can you feel normal when bombs and drones are falling down on your head?"

Kantemyr said the situation in Ukraine was difficult and that living outside the country without their families was not easy.

Buhrova and Kantemyr are also due to play singles matches at the championships. Russian men's doubles players Rodion Alimov and Maksim Ogloblin are also competing under a neutral flag because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Buhrova said she did not support Russian participation at all, saying of the easing of restrictions in some sports: "I think it's a big mistake."