Russian president Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF) due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sport’s governing body announced on Sunday, writes France24.
“In light of the ongoing war... in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation”, - read the IJF statement.
Putin, an accomplished judoka who was awarded an eighth dan in 2014 - one of the highest levels in the sport, has been honorary president since 2008.