As a consequence of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin was excluded as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation (IJF).
“In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the IJF announces the suspension of the status of Mr. Vladimir Putin as honorary president and ambassador of the federation”, indicates the organization in a brief statement , without giving further details.
Since childhood, Putin has been a practitioner and enthusiast of judo. In fact he is eighth dan -one of the highest ranks- and his country has a great influence for this sport around the world.
Marius Vizer, president of the IJF, is a friend of Putin. Even the European Federation is led by the Russian Sergey Soloveychik. Both organizations receive considerable sponsorship from Russia.
At the last Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, the delegation representing the Russian Olympic Committee won three medals in judo. In the historical medal table, Russia occupies the third step with 46 medals, behind France (57) and Japan (96).
It is worth remembering that the IJF announced last Friday that the Grand Slam that was scheduled for May, in Kazan, was suspended. In a note titled “Judo for peace,” he lamented the “international situation, the result of inefficient dialogue.”