Blackbelt Putin suspended as Judo Federation’s honorary president over invasion
Vladimir Putin has been suspended as an honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF) following the invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian President, who is a judo blackbelt, is believed to have been temporarily removed from his role following Russia ’s continued attacks on its neighbour.
Putin, 69, reportedly remains a keen practitioner of the discipline and has even co-authored a book titled "Judo: History, Theory, Practice".
In a statement today (February 27), the 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 has been seen over the years showing off his judo skills but it has not always gone to plan.
The Russian leader got poleaxed by a student during a visit to a Sports Centre in Okinawa, Japan in 2000.
Putin’s ability was also called into question by Benjamin Wittes, who holds black belts in taekwondo and aikido.
Wittes wrote in 2017 on Lawfare, an American blog on national security issues, that: "At least in the videos I have seen, there are no committed attacks on Putin, and I see no evidence that his opponents are ever trying to get the better of him.
Brits gush over 'hot' Ukrainian President's 'balls of steel' as he fights on frontline
"The videos are demonstrations in which he shows off his masculine prowess with them taking what the Japanese call ukemi (defensive falls) for him."
The IJF also announced on Friday that it had cancelled a May 20-22 event in Russia.
IJF President Marius Vizer said: “The International Judo Federation announces with regret the cancellation of the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia."
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In Ukraine, Russian troops failed in their attempts to take Kyiv as Ukrainian military stood their ground.
Russian soldiers and armoured vehicles entered the northeastern city of Kharkiv and firing and explosions could be heard.
However, according to regional Governor Oleh Sinegubov, Ukrainian troops have taken back the city.
He said: "Control over Kharkiv is completely ours! The armed forces, the police, and the defence forces are working, and the city is being completely cleansed of the enemy."
The Ukrainian president's office said negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow would be held today at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, without preconditions.
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