Taekwondo's governing body has stripped Putin of his honorary black belt following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- Russian President Putin had his honorary taekwondo black belt revoked by the sport's governing body.
- World Taekwondo said it "strongly condemns the brutal attacks on innocent lives in Ukraine."
Russian President Vladimir Putin had his honorary Taekwondo black belt revoked on Monday by the sport's international governing body, which also condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, World Taekwondo said it "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."
The group said it has decided to withdraw the honorary black belt it conferred to Putin in November 2013, adding that no Russian or Belarusian national flags or anthems will be displayed or played at upcoming World Taekwondo events. Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko is Putin's closest ally amid the invasion.
According to the statement, both World Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union will also not organize any events for the sport 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," it said.
The sporting world has distanced itself from Russia in recent days amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. On Sunday, Putin was suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee on Monday recommended bans for Russian and Belarusian athletes. The following day, FIFA and UEFA banned Russia and its teams from all soccer competitions, including the World Cup.
Insider's live blog of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is covering developments as they happen.