Lithuanian Boxing Federation (LBF) as early as 2023. January 26 made a decision not to fight with the athletes of the aggressor countries.
Because of this historic decision to fully support Ukraine, LBF boxers had to miss four championships of the Old Continent and two world championships in 2023.
31-year-old A. Starovoitova should have faced Russian Nune Asatriana in the semi-finals of the European Championship, but she refused to do so.
The fighter also did not participate in the medal awarding ceremony, as she did not want to stand on the same podium with a boxer from the country of the aggressors.
“You, we and I know that we went to the championship already knowing that we will not box with the athletes of the aggressor country. I myself offered not to go up on the platform. I think that it is not the right emotional state and not the time to do this when there is a war in Ukraine. I don’t think it’s even something to be proud of. We simply support Ukraine. We did what we had to do. This is the least we can do to show that we support Ukraine,” the boxer explained her decision.
A little earlier, another Lithuanian – Gabrielė Stonkutė – made the same decision not to fight against the boxer of the aggressor country.
“We were very happy about Ana’s victories, I went to support her and I was even more excited than before my fights. And we went to the championship knowing that we would not fight against them, and no one had any questions about that,” commented G.Stonkutė on her colleague’s decision.
G. Stonkuta herself could not perform successfully. In the quarterfinals, the Lithuanian lost to the Serbian Nikolina Gajič by the decision of the judges 1:4 (27:30, 28:29, 29:28, 28:29, 28:29). Such a result greatly angered the coach of the Lithuanian national team Vidas Bruža.
“I think Gabriele won that victory, but the judges’ decision was different. I would say that victory was stolen. But the judges awarded the victory to the rival, as a local boxer,” said V. Bružas.
G.Stonkutė herself claims that even the Serbs themselves were surprised by such a decision.
“I feel anger and resentment. I gave my best and felt that I won, but the judges’ decision was different. Everyone was angry. Some Serbs even disagreed with this decision. I feel that the victory was given to her. Anyway, the competition is in Serbia, you are boxing against a Serbian…”, said G.Stonkutė.
A. Starovoitova herself was surprised by this result.
“That fight was a shock of shocks. Anyone who understands boxing will understand me better. That fight was something wow. Gabriele is a very talented girl. I will try to help in the selection in every possible way and prepare her so that next time we return here with tickets to the Olympics”, said the athlete who won the bronze.
– This was your second medal. Is this one different inside? A. Starovoitova was asked.
– Inside is different. Anna was a little prettier, with a diamond. Women like diamonds (ed. – laughing). This medal is the most memorable for me. There was a lot of preparation, Russians and Belarusians participated in the championship.
– You did not receive a reaction from the Russians or support from the Ukrainians?
– It’s the same for me somehow. I was with an amazing team from whom I received tremendous support. My mind was on boxing and I was getting a medal. It didn’t matter if it was the first fight or the final, I still wouldn’t have gone out to fight. The most important medal is now around my neck and I have an amazing team around me.
– You were elected captain of this team and the only one who returned with a medal. It seems that you have fulfilled a certain duty?
– I was told that as a captain I have to set an example or I will be suspended. I tried (ed. – laughs).
– The second fight is probably the most special, because you defeated the Spaniard, to whom you lost in the selection for the Olympic competition. How sweet is the rematch and how much did it allow you to make sure of your strength before the upcoming qualifying competition?
– The first fight is always the hardest. Against the Croatian, it was very difficult psychologically, I couldn’t relax. But in the second, the most difficult was that rematch. Even before the fight, my opponent was encouraging me like that. But we simply talked to the coach that everything is in our head. I spent time with myself, my thoughts, I calmed down and at some point I felt that I was winning and I relaxed even more.
– The medal allows you to go to Thailand, where another selection for the Olympic Games will take place. Do you have more confidence in yourself?
– That medal gives more confidence and responsibility. On the way back, I thought: “Anna, you work as a coach. You will have to plan everything with work.” A lot of responsibility. I’m glad I got another chance. Years are just a number. Box and love boxing. I will wish myself and the team more relaxation during the fight. Sometimes we forget how well we can box.
– Even the president reacted after your act. What was your reaction to that?
– I’ll be honest – I didn’t even see it. I distanced myself from everything, I wanted to rest. My brother sent me a picture. Fine, nice, that’s all. It would be nice for everyone, but nothing will change.
– How was the medal presented to you?
– As far as I know, the medals were supposed to be distributed on the 26th, but as far as I know, they decided to give them to me separately. It just hooked him and welcomed him. I am very happy. I think it was better than standing on the podium. I didn’t even think about what would have happened if I had finished first or second. I am happy and third.
– There was no reaction from the International Boxing Federation?
– Oh no. Who can persuade a boxer? She said no and holy.
– Russia, against which you refused to fight and military structures – the CSKA club. Wondering why there is still room in this world for such athletes on the international stage?
– I don’t even know what to answer. What I did is the least we could do. It doesn’t matter what others say. They talk behind the back, we express ourselves in front.
