Society

Putin suspended as honorary president of International Judo Federation

Feb 28 (NHK) - The International Judo Federation has suspended Russian President Vladimir Putin's status as its honorary president and ambassador in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The federation announced the move on its website on Sunday. Putin holds a judo black belt. He began practicing the sport when he was 13 years old.

The federation's President Marius Vizer issued a statement on Friday that said, "We are saddened by the current international situation."

He added, "The judo family hopes that the current unrest can be solved in the last moment, to reestablish normality and stability in Eastern Europe and the world."

But the statement stopped short of directly criticizing Russia.

The federation on Friday canceled an international competition due to be held in Kazan, Russia, in May.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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