New Delhi: In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary President of the International Judo Federation (IJF), announced the sport’s governing body on Sunday.
Issuing a statement, IJF said, “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, a judo enthusiast was awarded an eighth dan in 2014, which is considered to be the highest level in sport, has been honorary president since 2008.
The 69-year-old has been a dedicated practitioner of the discipline and has also co-authored a book titled, ‘Judo: History, Theory, Practice.’
Besides, the IJF president Marius Vizer in 2014 praised him for being “the perfect ambassador for our sport.”
Meanwhile, European football’s governing body UEFA sacked Saint Petersburg of the hosting of the Champions League final scheduled to be held on May 28. Also, Formula One cancelled the Russian Grand Prix to be played on September 25.
Sweden and Poland both refused to play against Russia in the 2022 World Cup play-offs with the Swedish government hoping to implement a blanket sporting ban by their 27 European Union partners. This implies banning Russian athletes from playing on European Union soil.
The Russian forces have been attacking Ukraine continuously for consecutive four days with Moscow ordering its troops to attack Ukraine “from all directions.” The West on the other hand responded with sanctions that sought to demolish Russia’s bank sector. Ukrainian officials said, 198 civilians including three children have been killed since the invasion started.
