In a decisive move against Russia’s actions in Ukraine,World Taekwondo has revoked russian President Vladimir Putin’s prestigious 9th-degree black belt. This declaration, made on February 28th, follows the international outcry over Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
The black belt, originally awarded to President Putin in November 2013, has been stripped due to the association’s unwavering commitment to its core values. World Taekwondo, which champions the belief that “peace is more precious than victory,” condemned the Russian military’s actions as a “brutal assault on innocent civilians,” directly contradicting the sport’s principles of respect and restraint.
This action by World taekwondo echoes similar decisions made by other international sporting bodies. Notably, the International Judo federation also took a stand against the conflict by suspending President Putin’s honorary chairman and ambassador status on February 27th. These moves highlight the growing global condemnation of Russia’s invasion and the solidarity shown by sporting organizations in upholding peace and human dignity.
Stripping Putin of His Black Belt: A Conversation with olympic Gold Medalist, Sarah Thompson
The sporting world is sending a powerful message in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We’ve seen bans, boycotts, and now, the stripping of prestigious honors. Today, we’re joined by Olympic gold medalist and former Taekwondo champion, Sarah Thompson, to discuss the decision by World Taekwondo to revoke Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 9th-degree black belt.Sarah, welcome to the show.
Sarah: Thanks for having me.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. What are your thoughts on World Taekwondo’s decision to revoke Putin’s black belt?
Sarah: I think it’s a bold move and a necessary one. Sports should be about unity, respect, and fair competition. Putin’s actions in Ukraine are a complete contradiction to everything Taekwondo stands for. It sends a strong message that the international sporting community won’t tolerate violence and aggression.
Moderator: Do you think this kind of action is effective? Some might argue that it’s purely symbolic and doesn’t have any real impact on the situation in Ukraine.
Sarah: Of course, it’s symbolic, but symbols matter. This isn’t just about a black belt. It’s about taking a stand against injustice and showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Every action, even seemingly small ones, adds to the pressure on Putin and the Russian government. Thes kinds of sanctions, combined with the broader international response, can contribute to bringing about a change.
Moderator: We’ve also seen the International Judo Federation suspend Putin’s honorary roles. Do you think other sports organizations should follow suit?
Sarah: Absolutely. Sports have a tremendous platform and influence. They should use it to promote peace and denounce violence.Every organization, from the IOC to national governing bodies, should carefully consider thier relationship with Russia and take action accordingly.
Moderator: There are some who argue that athletes shouldn’t be politically involved. How do you respond to that?
Sarah: I understand that sentiment, but this situation is different. We’re not talking about debating political ideologies. This is about a blatant act of aggression that threatens global security.
Athletes are humans first. We have a duty to speak out against injustice and use our platform to make a difference. Silence is complicity.
Moderator: Powerful words, sarah. Thank you for sharing your perspective. What message do you have for our readers?
Sarah: Stay informed, be vocal, and support organizations providing aid to Ukraine.
Even small actions can contribute to a larger movement for peace. We can’t stand idly by while innocent people suffer.
Moderator: Thank you for your time and insights, Sarah.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts on this issue. Should more sports organizations take action against Russia? How can sports be used to promote peace and human dignity in times of conflict?
Let the discussion begin.
