Following the festivities of the 60th anniversary of the International Judo Federation, celebrated last year in Paris on the occasion of the World Championships, the IJF had the honor of awarding the 8th dan to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, who was also celebrating his 60th birthday on the 7th of october.
Vladimir Putin is Honorary President of the European Judo Union and Honorary President of the IJF, an Emeritus and recognized judoka, and having the stature of the Head of State of a preeminent country, Vladimir Putin is the perfect ambassador for our sport.
“It is a great honor for our international federation, as well as for the entire judo community, to count among us a very high personality of his reputation and standing,” said Marius L. Vizer, the IJF President, before adding: “President Putin represents a high expression of the Judo Values in the world.”