The International Judo Federation has suspended Russian President Vladimir Putin of all his titles and positions, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/27/sport/judo-vladimir-putin-president-gymnastics-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> reports. Putin was the Honorary President and Ambassador of the federation. However, in a statement on Friday, the body announced his suspension "in light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine." The <a href="https://www.ijf.org/news/show/official-announcement-of-the-international-judo-federation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> announced: "In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin's status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation." The IJF also canceled their 2022 Grand Slam, which was due to be held in Kazan, Russia this May. <img class="wp-image-1263147149 size-full" src="https://img.vt.co/2022/03/RMTMYF-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1580" />[[imagecaption|| Vladimir Putin warms up during judo practice with the Russian judo team in 2019. Credit: Kremlin Pool / Alamy]] IJF President Marius Vizer expanded on the federation's decision, saying: "We are saddened by the current international situation, the result of inefficient dialogue at international level." "We, the sports community, must remain united and strong, to support each other and our universal values, in order to always promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity. "The judo family hopes that the current unrest can be solved in the last moment, to reestablish normality and stability in Eastern Europe and the world, to once again be able to focus on the diverse cultures, history, and legacy of Europe, in the most positive way," she continued. <img class="wp-image-1263147150 size-full" src="https://img.vt.co/2022/03/RMA61X-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1820" />[[imagecaption|| President Putin during a judo training session in 2019. Credit: ITAR-TASS News Agency / Alamy]] President Putin is an avid judoka. As well as his suspension, the IFJ has also suspended longtime Kremlin-supporting oligarch Arkady Rotenberg, who was a member of the IFJ executive committee as a "development manager". Meanwhile, the IFJ isn't the only sporting body to issue sanctions to Russia over its military invasion of Ukraine. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced on Saturday that the Russian and Belarusian national flags will not be displayed at any of their sanctioned events. They will also refuse to play the two countries' national anthems at their competitions. The International Skating Union has also banned all Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in their events, per <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/russia-excluded-skating-sporting-sanctions-increase-83174351#:~:text=In%20track%20and%20field%2C%20Russia,ban%20on%20Russia%20and%20Belarus." target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC News</a>. <h6>Featured Image Credit: Russian Look Ltd. / Alamy</h6>

International Judo Federation removes all positions held by Putin

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