Taekwondo-Putin stripped of black belt over Ukraine invasion

A woman holds a banner depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin as Ukrainians and supporters hold an anti-war protest outside the Russian Embassy, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Mexico City, Mexico February 28, 2022. REUTERS

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been stripped of his honorary taekwondo black belt over his country's invasion of Ukraine, a personal rebuke heaped on top of international economic and sporting sanctions.

World Taekwondo, citing its motto of "Peace is More Precious than Triumph," condemned the Russian military action in Ukraine, saying the "brutal attacks on innocent lives" violated the sport's values of respect and tolerance.