Russian President Vladimir Putin has been stripped of his black belt in taekwondo after the International Taekwondo Federation decided to withdraw it, with the governing body of the sport saying that his actions were incompatible with sporting spirit.
The Russian leader had received the 9th Dan black belt, the highest distinction in oriental martial arts, during a visit to South Korea in 2013.
“World Taekwondo strongly condemns the brutal attacks on innocent people in Ukraine, which is contrary to our view: peace is more important than victory,” the organization said in a statement.
The International Judo Federation (IFJ) had already decided on Sunday to suspend Putin as its honorary president and ambassador.
“In light of the ongoing 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 federation said in a short statement.
The Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also decided to withdraw the Golden Order awarded to the Russian president in 2001.
