Putin Suspended From International Judo Federation
By Ginger Adams Otis, The Wall Street Journal, [2/27/2022]
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Russian President Vladimir Putin was suspended from his role as honorary president of the International Judo Federation, the sport's governing body said Sunday.
The IJF cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for its decision to oust Mr. Putin, a judo black belt and enthusiastic booster of the sport.
“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,” the statement said.
Mr. Putin, 69 years old, has credited judo with getting him off Russia’s streets as a young man and teaching him discipline. He has even suited up in the past to spar with Russia’s national team.
The IJF said Friday that it had canceled the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia, planned for May.
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