Putin suspended as honorary president of International Judo Federation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the IJF because of his invasion of Ukraine.

By REUTERS

FEBRUARY 27, 2022 16:48

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019. (photo credit: Sputnik/Mikhael Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS) — Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019.

(photo credit: Sputnik/Mikhael Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF), the sport's governing body announced on Sunday, because of his invasion of Ukraine.

Russia's invasion by land, air, and sea on Thursday followed 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.

The IJF on Friday said it had canceled a May 20-22 event in Russia.