Ukraine war
Putin suspended as honorary president of the World Judo Federation
This photo provided by the Kremlin shows Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, during a training session with the Russian national judo team at the Yug-Sport Training Center in Sochi
© Mikhail Klimentyev / DPA
More and more sanctions hit Russia after President Putin instigated a war against Ukraine. But this affects him personally: the world judo association fired him as honorary president.
The World Judo Federation has suspended Russian President Vladimir Putin as honorary president and ambassador for the sport. This was announced by the IJF on Sunday, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin chief Putin is himself a black belt holder.
In judo, the influence of Russia is enormous. World Association President Marius Vizer is considered a friend of Putin. The European association EJU is led by the Russian Sergej Soloweitschik. In addition, the two most important associations are supported by numerous Russian companies. The EJU, for example, recently presented three new sponsors from Russia.
The Grand Slam planned for May in Kazan, Russia, was recently canceled. The sports community must remain united and strong to support one another to promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity, the federation said in a statement on Friday.