World Taekwondo Revokes Vladimir Putin’s Taekwondo Belt

Russian president Vladimir Putin is under tremendous pressure due to his recent attacks on Ukraine.

Apart from the sanctions Russia has been put through due to Putin, the president has now been facing another blow from the international community, being stripped of his Honorary 9th Dan Taekwondo Black Belt.

Taekwondo is based on five basic principles: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. World Taekwondo granted the 9th Dan Taekwondo belt to the Russian President, hoping that he would strengthen these beliefs that are the backbone of Korean martial art.

However, Russia’s ongoing atrocities in Ukraine have urged many organizations to enforce penalties upon it.

The President of World Taekwondo, Choue Chung-won believes that Putin’s recent actions are enough to deny him the honorary belt.

According to the statement published by the World Taekwondo on February 28:

“Peace is more precious than triumph and the World Taekwondo values respect and tolerance.”

It further stated, “In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary 9th dan black belt conferred to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013.”

Russia and Belarus now face plenty of penalties in the Olympic games. They are not allowed to take their flags or play their national anthems in the games.

Moreover, sports like soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and many others have prohibited Russian athletes from contending.