LockerRoom Logo

World Taekwondo takes back the honorary black belt of Vladimir Putin

LockerRoom Team
01 March 2022

Amid the ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary blackbelt of Vladimir Putin.

In a statement, the governing body noted it upholds the motto of "Peace is More Precious than Triumph," and condemned the Russian Military action in Ukraine.

"In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary 9th dan black belt conferred to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013," the statement noted.

ALSO READ | Don’t Touch Ukraine: UFC fighter Maryna Moroz sends message to Vladmir Putin

The decision follows the International Judo Federation's announcement on Sunday that Putin's role as honorary president and ambassador will be suspended.

World Taekwondo also stated that it would join the International Olympic Committee in prohibiting the use of the Russian flag and anthem in international sporting events. Russian national teams and clubs have been barred from competing by other sporting organizations such as FIFA and UEFA as well.

While tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, have existed for some time, they began to spiral out of control in early 2021. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed US President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to join NATO in January of last year which apparently did not sit well with Putin.

ALSO READ | Sean Strickland asks Ukraine to bend the knee for Russia, Blachowicz responds

A year later in February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine which has led to ongoing issues.

What do you think of the move from World Taekwondo? Let us know in the comments below.


You can download the LockerRoom India mobile app available on the Google Playstore and the App Store for all the latest news and updates from the Combat Sports World

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please login to leave a comment

0 Comments

TermsPrivacy PolicyAbout UsContact Us
2024 All Rights Reserved © LockerRoom Network