February 27, (THEWILL) – Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Judo Federation (IJF) has suspended Vladimir Putin’s title as Honorary President and Ambassador.
In 2008, the worldwide governing body bestowed the honorary president title on Russian President Vladimir Putin, a judo black belt. However this was revoked as the international athletic community continues to censure Russia for its recent military offensive.
An IJF statement making this public read: “In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr Vladimir Putin’s status as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation.”
Putin received the eighth dan from the IJF in 2012, making him the first Russian to do so.
The 69-year-old is an accomplished judoka who has co-authored “Judo: History, Theory, Practice” and released “Let’s Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin” by an instructional DVD on the martial art, in 2008.
He has attended several IJF competitions, including the 2017 World Championships in Budapest and the previous year’s edition in the same venue. Putin was also at the London 2012 Olympic Games’ judo tournament, where he sat near then British Prime Minister David Cameron.
The IJF World Championships were held in Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2014, and the country has also been a regular destination on the World Judo Tour. But, the IJF has already cancelled this year’s Kazan Grand Slam due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Boris Rotenberg, a judo training partner of Putin’s, is on the list of those sanctioned by Britain last week. The Russian oligarch is reported to be worth $1 billion (£735 million/€882 million) thanks to his co-ownership of the StroyGazMontazh group, Russia’s largest gas pipeline and electrical power supply line construction enterprise.
In response to Russia’s activities, the European Judo Union has canceled competitions in Tula and Orenburg.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
