International Judo Federation suspended Russian President Vladimir Putin as honorary president

The International Judo Federation confirmed the suspension of the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, as honorary president and ambassador of the organization after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of the status of Mr. Vladimir Putin as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation“, confirmed the agency in a statement.

Putin is an enthusiastic judo practitioner and has reached the level of black belt on the sport. Russia has a great influence in world judo; the president of the International Federation, Marius Vizer, he is a friend of Putin and the European Federation is led by the Russian Sergey Soloveychik. Both bodies receive considerable sponsorship from Russia.

The ‘Grand Slam’ scheduled to be played in May in Kazan was canceled last Friday. Russia is increasingly isolated in the world of sport.