Russian president Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF) due to the war conflict in Ukraine, the sport’s governing body announced on Sunday.
“In light of the ongoing war conflict 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.”
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.