On the final day of a wrestling championship, the event organizers faced a significant challenge as a Russian representative was scheduled to stand on the podium next to a Ukrainian athlete, Arthur Kostiukas, who has been defending against Russian attacks for four years. Kostiukas expressed his protest against the participation of Russian athletes with their national symbols by demonstratively turning away when the Russian anthem played in honor of the winner. This moment highlighted the tension between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in the wake of ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The championship featured a competition in the 86 kg weight category, with Kostiukas competing against Bozigit Islamgreyev, a 20-year-old wrestler from the Caucasus region representing Russia, who ultimately claimed the first-place medal. Following his victory, Islamgreyev expressed satisfaction to Serbian media about being able to compete under the Russian flag and quoted Vladimir Putin's cynical remarks regarding Russia's aggressive actions towards Ukraine. This display of defiance by Kostiukas not only emphasizes the fierce competition in sports but also the ongoing geopolitical tensions that sports can sometimes highlight.

Kostiukas's actions serve as a poignant reminder of the broader implications of international athletic competitions that often become stages for political statements and national pride. His refusal to honor the Russian anthem symbolizes the anguish felt by many in Ukraine and serves as a strong protest against the ongoing conflict with Russia. This incident raises questions about the role of sports in politics and the responsibility of sporting bodies to navigate these complicated dynamics.