World Taekwondo strips Russia’s Vladimir Putin of his honorary black belt : NPR
Alexei Nikolsky/AP
Several athletic organizations are distancing themselves from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. But now, Russian President Vladimir Putin himself is the focus on.
Environment Taekwondo declared it can be withdrawing the honorary black belt it gave to Putin in November 2013. Additionally, the taekwondo governing human body stated no national flags or anthems from Russia or its ally Belarus will be shown or performed all through the organization’s occasions.
Globe Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union also reported no situations will be identified or held in Russia and Belarus.
“Globe Taekwondo strongly condemns the brutal attacks on harmless lives in Ukraine, which go from the Globe Taekwondo eyesight of ‘Peace is More Treasured than Triumph’ and the World Taekwondo values of respect and tolerance,” Globe Taekwondo explained in a statement.
The shift by Entire world Taekwondo comes as several other corporations, sporting situations and other establishments work to sever ties with Russia, Putin, and any corporations with connections to them.
Putin is known to be a fan of martial arts, especially judo. The Russian president even co-wrote a reserve about it: “Judo: Heritage, Principle, Apply.”
The judo local community also took measures to distance by itself from Putin. The Worldwide Judo Federation suspended his standing as the organization’s honorary president and ambassador, in accordance to The Involved Press. The federation also canceled the sport’s Grand Slam established to consider location in Might in Kazan, Russia, as very well as all other competitions set to get location in the region.
Big athletic corporations this sort of as the Intercontinental Olympic Committee have previously manufactured unparalleled moves to shun Russia. Countrywide teams, such as U.S. Soccer, have refused to enjoy any Russian teams in any circumstance.
FIFA recently yanked intercontinental competitions hosted on Russian territory “till even further see.” The corporation also suspended Russian groups from collaborating in any FIFA and UEFA competitions. That shift will possible affect Russia’s participation in the Environment Cup in November.
Customers are even protesting the country by boycotting Russian-made merchandise these kinds of as vodka.