According to Svetlana Ishmuratova, the vice president for military-political studies at CSKA, Violetta Bida, an epee fencer, was released from the club in October. Match TV reported the comment, noting that Bida is not currently employed by CSKA and was laid off during that month. The matter, Ishmuratova added, should be directed to the Russian Fencing Federation for clarification.
In addition to Violetta, her husband Sergei Bida has also been placed on a wanted list. They could face a maximum of ten years in prison for leaving their post without permission, a charge tied to duties they held in their respective roles.
Sergei Bida is recognized in the fencing community as an epee fencer with a notable track record. He earned a silver medal in the team event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, secured multiple European titles in team competition, and medaled at the World Championships, including silver in individual events and bronze in team events in 2020.
Violetta Bida, born Khrapina, previously claimed silver in the team epee at the 2019 World Championships and participated in the Tokyo Games in 2020, though she did not win an Olympic medal there.
The couple relocated to the United States in 2023 and have continued their athletic careers while residing in California. Prior to their departure, Sergei Bida was associated with the Dynamo sports community and held a lieutenant’s rank within the Russian Guard, while Violetta remained active within CSKA’s sports framework.
Earlier reports indicated scrutiny over past violations of laws by fencing officials linked to the Bid(a) family, including mentions of a former sports minister bearing responsibility for non-compliance. The evolving situation continues to draw attention from the fencing world and the broader sports community, prompting ongoing coverage and official responses from relevant authorities.