The hits just keep coming for Vladimir Putin.
The Russian leader was stripped of all his titles and his role as honorary president of the International Judo Federation, the organization said in a one-line statement.
It’s the latest blow from the sporting world over Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine nearly two weeks ago.
Putin, who prides himself as a judo aficionado, has several pictures of himself participating and watching the Japanese martial art. He’s credited the sport with getting him off the streets and introducing discipline in his life. Putin, a judo black belt, has even suited up and sparred with Russia’s national team. It’s unclear who won.
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Despite the praise Putin has heaped on the sport, it seems the feeling isn’t mutual.
“In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the separation of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as honorary president and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation,” the group said.
But it’s not just judo that wants a break from Putin and Russian athletes.
Last week, the International Olympic Committee issued a recommendation that all Russian and Belarusian athletes be banned from international competitions. FIFA, the soccer world’s governing body, suspended Russian clubs and the country’s national team from competing, and the International Paralympic Committee prohibited Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the Paralympic Games that began Friday in Beijing.
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Belarus has supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
