Vladimir Putin’s black belt revoked by World Taekwondo over Ukraine war

Vladimir Putin’s honorary black belt has been revoked by World Taekwondo, the International Federation that governs the sport, as the Russian president continues to be sanctioned by sporting authorities.

Following his decision to declare war on Ukraine last week, Putin has been vilified worldwide as the death toll in his neighbouring country continues to rise.

Currently, a 40-mile long military convoy is heading towards Kyiv as Russian troops bid to take control of the capital city, while in the last 24 hours there have been a series of attacks on the city of Kharkiv.

On Tuesday, the UN human rights office said that at least 136 civilians were confirmed dead so far following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including 13 children.

In light of the invasion, The International Judo Federation [IFJ] suspended Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador, and now his 9th black dan taekwondo belt, awarded back in 2013, has been annulled.

A released statement said: “World Taekwondo strongly condemns the brutal attacks on innocent lives in Ukraine, which go against the World Taekwondo vision of ‘Peace is More Precious than Triumph’ and the World Taekwondo values of respect and tolerance.

“World Taekwondo’s thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and we hope for a peaceful and immediate end to this war.”

World Taekwondo, which governs international federations for the sport, added: “In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary 9th dan black belt conferred to Mr Vladimir Putin in November 2013.”

The authority have also followed the guidance of the International Olympic Committee [IOC], and ruled that no Russian or Belarusian national flags or anthems will be displayed or played at the organisation’s international events.

Putin, 69, has been a lifelong advocate of martial arts, both as a participant and as supporter. At the London 2012 Olympics, he was a regular presence at the judo events to support Russian athletes.