Russian President Vladimir Putin has been removed from all positions he held in the International Judo Federation (IJF) amid his country’s military operation in Ukraine, the martial arts organization has confirmed.
Russian billionaire Rotenberg, who had been on the IJF Executive Committee as development manager since 2013, also lost his seat on the governing body.
Last week, the IJF suspended Putin from his role as honorary president and ambassador, which he had held since 2008.
Judo has been an abiding passion for Putin since his youth in St. Petersburg, where he was a regional champion according to the IJF website.
In the same year that he was named the body’s honorary president, Putin produced an instructional DVD, ‘Let’s Learn Judo with Vladimir Putin’.
Putin has also created a book on the sport that has been distributed to millions of Russian children.
For the past decade, Putin has regularly attended major judo events, such as the 2018 World Championships in Baku.
The Russian head of state was seen watching judo with then-British Prime Minister David Cameron at the 2012 London Olympics before hugging Tagir Khaibulaev as the judoka took home the gold medal.
The IJF previously canceled this year’s Grand Slam, which was scheduled to take place in May in Kazan.
IJF President Marius L Vizer said his organization was “sad about the current international situation”which he claimed was the result “of ineffective dialogue at the international level”.
“We, the sports community, must remain united and strong, to support each other and support our universal values, to always promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity.” Vizer added.
“The judo family hopes that the current unrest can be resolved at the last moment, to restore normality and stability in Eastern Europe and the world, so that we can once again focus on the diverse cultures, history and heritage of Europe. in the most positive way.
The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) had already relieved Putin of the honorary black belt he received from its president, Choue Chung-won, during a 2013 visit to South Korea, where the martial art originated, as well as its grandmaster title.
In a statement, the WTF strongly condemned the military operation in Ukraine, adding that it went against its motto of “Peace is worth more than victory.” and contradicted his “values of respect and tolerance”.
“In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the 9th dan honorary black belt awarded to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013.” He said.
The WTF will not allow Russian or Belarusian flags or anthems to be displayed or played at its events on the advice of the International Olympic Committee.
Neither country will be recognized by the WTF or the European Taekwondo Union.
«World Taekwondo’s thoughts are with the people of Ukraine.” he said, adding that he expected a “peaceful and immediate end” to the operation.
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