Russia Invades Ukraine, Vladimir Putin's Taekwondo Black Belt Is Stripped!

President Vladimir Putin (Photo via Kremlin)

JAKARTA - The World Taekwondo Federation has stripped Russian President Vladimir Putin of the black belt. This decision was the aftermath of Russia's action which started a war with Ukraine.

The Taekwondo Federation on its official website on Monday, February 28, strongly condemned the brutal attack on innocent lives in Ukraine. This is considered contrary to the vision of World Taekwondo, namely "Peace is More Valuable than Victory".

In addition, Russia's actions in invading Ukraine are also considered to have violated the values in the sport of taekwondo about respect and tolerance.

"In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the black belt and honorary title awarded to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013", the World Taekwondo Federation said in a statement.

In addition, the World Taekwondo Federation has also decided to ban the Russian and Belarusian flags or national anthems in all world taekwondo activities. They also will not regulate and recognize taekwondo activities held by the two countries.

"The focus of world Taekwondo is with the Ukrainian people and we hope to end this war peacefully and soon", the statement continued.

Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had revoked the Olympic Order, which is its highest honor, from all high-ranking Russian officials, including Putin. Meanwhile, the World Swimming Federation (FINA) has canceled the World Junior Swimming Championships held in Russia.

The impact of Russian attack on Ukraine has had a major impact on the sports world in the Red Bear Country. Earlier, the IOC urged all federations and sports organizers to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from all international events (M. Wirawan Kusuma).