In the latest sporting censure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin and a Russian businessman have been dismissed from all positions in the International Judo Federation (IJF).
Putin, a black belt who co-authored the book “Judo: History, Theory, Practice,” was suspended as IJF honorary president last week, and the decision was disclosed in a terse statement.
Mr Vladimir Putin and Mr Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held by the International Judo Federation, according to the statement.
Arkady Rotenberg, a billionaire businessman, had served on the IJF executive committee as a development manager since 2013.
The federation made no mention of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but on February 27, it announced that Putin would be suspended as honorary president of the IJF “in light of the continuing military crisis in Ukraine.”
Putin also lost his honorary taekwondo black belt, which he received in 2013 from World Taekwondo, as well as a FINA Order, which he received in 2014.
Russian and Belarusian teams and athletes have been locked out of international tournaments across sports since the start of what Putin has referred to as “a special military operation” in Ukraine. Belarus has played a significant role in Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.
Stakhovsky receives assistance from Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has given financial and other assistance to Sergiy Stakhovsky, the former world No. 31 from Ukraine, who has enlisted in his country’s reserve army in the wake of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.
Despite his lack of military experience, Stakhovsky, who won four ATP titles and stunned Roger Federer in the second round of Wimbledon in 2013, joined Ukraine’s reserve army last month.
The 36-year-old shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with Djokovic, in which the Serbian world No. 2 inquired about his condition and expressed hope that things would calm down.
“Please let me know what would be the best address to send help… financial help, any other help as well,” Djokovic said in the message to the retired Stakhovsky.
Ukraine was appreciative of Djokovic’s offer of assistance, Stakhovsky wrote on Instagram.
Russia describes its efforts in Ukraine as a “special operation” aimed at destroying Ukraine’s military capability and apprehending “dangerous nationalists,” rather than occupying territory.
Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko, world boxing heavyweight champions, are among the Ukrainian athletes who have taken up guns to defend their homeland.
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