Stripping Putin's 9th dan Taekwondo black belt the WTF banned Russia from using the national flag and anthem when competing

The international sports community has imposed a series of sanctions on Russia since the country’s invasion of Ukraine last week, despite its statements “Sports beyond politics”.

Stripping Putin’s 9th dan Taekwondo black belt the WTF banned Russia from using the national flag and anthem when competing

The Taekwondo Federation said in a post on MHX: “World Taekwondo strongly condemns the brutal attacks on innocent lives in Ukraine. It is going against World Taekwondo’s vision of ‘Peace is more precious than victory’ and World Taekwondo values of respect and tolerance.”

This is not the first martial art to place sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin. On February 28, the World Judo Federation stripped the Russian president of the title of “honorary president” of the Russian president. However, his 8th dan Judo black belt is still held to this day.

Not simply stripping the “9th dan black belt”, the Teakwondo Federation also made a bolder decision. World Taekwondo has worked with the International Olympic Committee on banning Russia from using the national anthem and flag in upcoming matches . The decision was quickly passed.

“In solidarity with the International Olympic Committee, no Russian or Belarusian ‘flag and anthem’ will be displayed or played at world Taekwondo events. At the same time, World Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union will not organize or recognize Taekwondo events in Russia and Belarus.

The attention of the International Taekwondo Federation is directed to the people of Ukraine. The Federation hopes for peace, as well as an immediate end to the conflict.”