Due to the Ukraine invasion... International Judo Federation suspends 'Honorary President' Putin's status

Russian President Vladimir Putin (third from the left) encouraging the Russian judo team [Photo by Getty Images/Multi-Vitz]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The International Judo Federation (IJF) has suspended the "Honorary President" status of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is responsible for the invasion of Ukraine.

On the 27th, the IJF issued a statement announcing, "Considering the war conflict occurring in Ukraine, we suspend the status of President Putin as IJF Honorary President and Honorary Ambassador." This marks the first time an international sports organization has effectively sanctioned President Putin personally. The IJF appointed President Putin as Honorary President in 2008 and awarded him an honorary 8th dan in 2012.

President Putin is widely known as an avid judo fan and black belt holder. To overcome his childhood complex about his small stature, he learned judo and earned his black belt at the age of 18. He also won a judo competition in his hometown of Saint Petersburg. In September 2000, during a visit to Japan, he made headlines by unexpectedly visiting Kodokan (講道館), the headquarters of Japanese judo, and sparred spontaneously with athletes. Since then, he has attended demonstration matches at Kodokan and even published a judo manual, presenting himself as an enthusiast on the international diplomatic stage.

Meanwhile, the IJF canceled the 2022 Kazan Grand Slam tournament, which was scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia, in May, for the sake of peace.

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