LAUSANNE: Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov has been re-elected to the post of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) president for a third time at the organization’s congress here on Saturday.
Usmanov, holder of a master of sports title in fencing, has been at the helm of the FIE since 2008 and was previously re-elected to this post in 2012 and 2016. He headed the Russian Fencing Federation from 2001 to 2009 and served as president of the European Fencing Confederation between 2005 and 2009.
“Dear President and friend! First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you on your re-election as President of the International Fencing Federation (FIE),” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said in his message.
“Your re-election is a confirmation of the contribution you have made to the fencing community through your passion for the sport and leadership of the FIE,” Bach said. “The IOC greatly appreciates the relationship with the FIE and your continuous support through the challenges the world of sport is experiencing.”
“Your excellent collaboration greatly contributed to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” the IOC president added. “I was delighted to have the opportunity to join your FIE Board meeting yesterday to express this appreciation directly to you in front of your colleagues.”
“We trust that we will continue this excellent partnership towards the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 and Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, and beyond, with a continuous focus on sport and athletes,” said Bach, who is a former Olympic fencer and gold medalist.
