World Taekwondo Federation Withdraws Putin's Honorary Dan Certificate...Contrary to Values of Respect and Tolerance

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The World Taekwondo Federation announced on the afternoon of the 28th of last month that it has revoked the honorary Dan certificate awarded to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The federation stated, "The brutal attack on innocent lives in Ukraine contradicts the WT vision that 'peace is more precious than victory' and the WT values of respect and tolerance," adding, "We have decided to revoke the honorary Dan certificate to strongly condemn this."

It also added, "Respecting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) policy, we will not hold federation-hosted events in Russia and Belarus, nor approve any events there."

Accordingly, athletes from the two countries will only be allowed to participate in federation-hosted and approved events under the names of the Russian Taekwondo Association and the Belarusian Taekwondo Association instead of their country names. The use of flags and anthems representing Russia and Belarus will also be prohibited.

Previously, during President Putin's visit to Korea in 2013, Federation President Choi Jung-won awarded him an honorary 9th Dan certificate while requesting support for the development of Taekwondo in Russia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.