In an official statement by World Taekwondo on its Facebook page, the sporting federation has announced that they will be taking the honorary Black belt which was awarded on November 2013 to Russian President, Vladimir Putin, away from him.
Condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine
In taking the honorary Black Belt away from Putin, the Sporting federation said on their Facebook that they strongly condemn the brutal attacks on Ukraine by Russia and the attack also goes against values preached by World Taekwondo which is:
“Peace is More Precious than Triumph”
and also values of respect and tolerance.
Joins IOC’s ban of Russia and Belarus
World Taekwondo also added that they will stand in solidarity with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision not to display any official flags and play anthems of Russia and Belarus at any of World Taekwondo’s events.
In addition, World Taekwondo and European Taekwondo Union will not be recognising or organising any Taekwondo events in Russia and Belarus.
Sends regards to Ukrainians
In ending off their statement, World Taekwondo sends its regards to all Ukrainians and also hope that the war will end peacefully and immediately.
Here is the statement by World Taekwondo
“(Feb. 28, 2022) – World Taekwondo strongly condemns the brutal attacks on innocent lives in Ukraine, which go against the World Taekwondo vision of “Peace is More Precious than Triumph” and the World Taekwondo values of respect and tolerance.
In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary 9th dan black belt conferred to Mr. Vladimir Putin in November 2013.
In solidarity with the International Olympic Committee, no Russian or Belarusian national flags or anthems will be displayed or played at World Taekwondo events. World Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union will not organise or recognise Taekwondo events in Russia and Belarus.
World Taekwondo’s thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and we hope for a peaceful and immediate end to this war.”
Image source: WorldTaekwondo.org, unsplash.com