Putin Stripped of Honors by Judo and Taekwondo Federations Amidst Ukraine War
The global sporting community continues to react to the conflict in ukraine,with two prominent martial arts organizations taking decisive action against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following sanctions imposed by major sporting bodies like UEFA, FIFA, and the IOC, the International judo Federation (IJF) and world Taekwondo have moved to distance themselves from putin.
On Febuary 27th, the IJF released a statement announcing the suspension of Putin’s honorary presidency and ambassadorship.This decision comes in direct response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the institution’s stance against the conflict.
Similarly, World Taekwondo revoked the 9th dan honorary black belt bestowed upon Putin in 2013. This action underscores the federation’s commitment to its core values of peace, respect, and tolerance, principles that stand in stark contrast to the violence unfolding in Ukraine.
World Taekwondo’s decision aligns with the recommendations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA),which called for the exclusion of Russia and its ally Belarus from international competitions. This includes the prohibition of their national flags and anthems at sporting events.
In a statement, World Taekwondo expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war. This sentiment echoes the broader international community’s condemnation of Russia’s actions and its unwavering support for Ukraine.
These sanctions against Putin, a renowned judo practitioner, demonstrate the growing pressure on Russia from the global sporting community. As the conflict continues,it remains to be seen what further actions will be taken against Russia and its athletes.
“Beyond the Mat: A Conversation with Olympic Judo Champion Kayla harrison on Politics in Sport”
Welcome back, sports fans, to another edition of “beyond the Mat” where we delve into the world of sports with captivating guests and thought-provoking discussions. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with two-time Olympic Judo gold medalist and current PFL MMA champion, Kayla Harrison. Kayla, welcome to the show!
Kayla: Thanks for having me!
Moderator: Kayla, the sporting world has been understandably shaken by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Just this week, we saw major martial arts organizations like the IJF and World Taekwondo taking unprecedented action against Russian President Vladimir Putin, revoking his honorary titles and black belts. What are your thoughts on this,given your background in Judo?
Kayla: Look,I believe in the power of sport to unite people,to transcend political boundaries. but when someone like Putin, a former Judo practitioner himself, uses military force to violate another sovereign nation’s borders, that crosses a line. These organizations had to take a stand and send a strong message that violence is never acceptable.
Moderator: Do you think these sanctions will have any impact on Putin’s actions?
Kayla:
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? I don’t know if they will directly change his mind, but they send a clear signal that the international community will not tolerate his aggression. These sanctions show that there are consequences to his actions, even in the world of sport.
Moderator: Some argue that politics shouldn’t be mixed with sport. They believe athletes should be judged solely on their performance, not their nationality or political affiliations. Where do you stand on this issue?
Kayla: I get why people feel that way. Sport can be a marvelous escape from the complexities of the world. But the reality is, athletes are human beings living in a complex world. Politics inevitably intertwines with sports, especially on a global stage.
When a leader like Putin uses sport as a propaganda tool, as he has done in the past, it’s unfeasible to separate the two completely.
Moderator: We’ve seen similar actions taken against Russia in othre sports, with organizations like FIFA, UEFA, and the IOC imposing bans and sanctions. What do you think of this unified front against Russia?
Kayla: It’s encouraging to see the global sporting community coming together to condemn WRONGDOING.This collective action sends a powerful message of solidarity with Ukraine and puts pressure on Russia in a way that individual sanctions may not.
Moderator: Some worry that these sanctions unfairly penalize Russian athletes who have no control over their government’s actions. How do you respond to that concern?
Kayla: It’s definitely a complex situation. I empathize with those athletes who are caught in the crossfire. however, it’s crucial to remember that these sanctions are targeted at the Russian government and its regime, not the individual athletes. Hopefully, these measures can encourage a swift resolution to the conflict and allow Russian athletes to return to the international stage where they rightfully belong.
Moderator: Kayla, this is a complex issue with no easy answers.Thank you for sharing your viewpoint.
Kayla: My pleasure. Always happy to have a conversation about something I care deeply about.
Moderator: Now, we want to hear from YOU, our audience. What are your thoughts on the sanctions against Russia in the sporting world? Do you think they are justified? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let’s continue this critically important conversation.
