The International Judo Federation (IJF) has suspended Russian President Vladimir Putin as honorary president due to his invasion of Ukraine, the sport’s regulatory body stated on Sunday.
According to reports Putin’s suspension comes after Russia’s invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday, February 24, 2022, following a declaration of war by Putin.
A judo blackbelt, the 69-year-old is a keen practitioner of the discipline and has co-authored a book titled “Judo: History, Theory, Practice”.
“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,” the IJF said in a statement.
Apart from Putin’s suspension, the IJF also said on Friday, February 27, 2022, it had cancelled a May 20-22 event in Russia.
“The International Judo Federation announces with regret the cancellation of the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia,” IJF President Marius Vizer said.
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