The belt was awarded to Mr Vladimir Putin in November 2013.
The International Taekwondo Federation announced this Tuesday that it has withdrawn the president of Russia, Vladimir Putinhis honorary black belt, in response to the Russian offensive in Ukraine.
“The International Taekwondo Federation strongly condemns the brutal attacks against innocent lives in Ukraine, which go against its motto ‘Peace is more valuable than victory’ and its values of respect and tolerance. In this regard, it has decided to withdraw the honorary black belt 9th Dan awarded to Mr Vladimir Putin in November 2013″, confirmed in a statement.
In addition, following the advice of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he reported that “Russian or Belarusian national anthems will not be displayed or played” in international competitions, penalizing the aggression of Russia and the support of Belarus in the war.
“The International Taekwondo Federation and the European Taekwondo Union will not organize or recognize taekwondo tournaments in Russia and Belarus. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and we look forward to a peaceful and immediate end to this war,” he added.
The last Sundaythe International Judo Federation has suspended Putin, an enthusiastic judo practitioner who holds the level of black belt in the sport, as honorary president and ambassador of the organization.
