Taekwondo-Putin deprived of black belt because of the invasion of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the construction site of the National Space Agency on the premises of the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center in Moscow, Russia, February 27, 2022. Satellite / Sergei Guneev / Kremlin FACE.

February 28 – Russian President Vladimir Putin was stripped of his black belt in taekwondo over his country’s invasion of Ukraine, a personal rebuke in addition to international economic and sporting sanctions.

Citing its motto “Peace is more precious than triumph”, World Taekwondo condemned Russia’s military action in Ukraine, saying “brutal attacks on innocent lives” violate the sport’s values ​​of respect and tolerance.

“In this regard, the World Taekwondo has decided to revoke the honorary black belt of the 9th dan, awarded to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013,” the governing body said in a statement.

He added that he would join the International Olympic Committee in banning the Russian flag and anthem at its events.

The decision comes after the International Judo Federation said on Sunday it would suspend Putin’s status as honorary president and ambassador “in light of the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine”.

Other sports organizations such as FIFA and UEFA have stopped Russian national teams and clubs from competing. Read more

Putin demonstrated a capable technique as he appeared in martial arts uniforms, projecting an image of strength, as in other carefully staged events, such as riding barefoot on horseback or playing ice hockey.

Russian forces bombed Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, on Monday, imposing new sanctions on the United States and its allies as part of Russia’s international isolation. Read more

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” which it says is not intended to occupy territory, but to destroy the military capabilities of its southern neighbor and capture dangerous nationalists.

Report by Daniel Trot; Edited by Peter Rutherford

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