World Taekwondo announced Monday it's rescinded an honorary black belt given to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013 because of the military invasion he ordered against Ukraine.
The sport's governing body also stated it won't hold any competitions in Russia or Belarus and won't utilize the Russian or Belarusian flags and nation anthems during upcoming events, a decision that follows in the footsteps of the International Olympic Committee.
"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," the statement read.