Putin stripped of his black belt in taekwondo
The International Taekwondo Federation has stripped Russian President Vladimir Putin of his black belt of honor in the game after his country invaded Ukraine, in the latest sanction from the international sport.
The International Taekwondo Federation cited the game's slogan "peace is more precious than victory", and condemned Russia's military intervention in Ukraine and said "barbaric attacks on innocent lives" violated the sport's values associated with respect and tolerance.
"In connection with this matter, the International Taekwondo Federation decided to withdraw the honorary black belt presented to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013," the International Taekwondo Federation said in a statement.
The federation added that it would follow in the footsteps of the International Olympic Committee in preventing the raising of the Russian flag or the playing of the national anthem in competitions.
On Sunday, the International Judo Federation announced the suspension of its honorary president, Putin, "in light of the continuing military conflict in Ukraine."
And many sports bodies, including the International Football Association (FIFA) and the European Union for the game (UEFA), announced the suspension of Russian teams and clubs from participating in various competitions.
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