MOSCOW, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin was promoted to the eighth Dan of judo, the International Judo Federation (IJF) said on Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (RIA Novosti/Alexsey Druginyn)
As honorary president of the IJF, Putin received the honor of the third-highest belt in the sports, the federation said in a statement published on its website.
Marius Vizer, president of the IJF, said it was "a great honor for our international federation, as well as the entire judo community to count among us a very high personality of his reputation and standing," according to the statement.
As an emeritus and recognized judoka, Putin "presents a high expression of the judo values in the world," Vizer added.
The Russian President, who turned 60 on Sunday, became a " perfect ambassador" for the judo sports, Vizer said.
As one of the highest bet in judo, the eighth ranking is called "Hachidan" in Japanese.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin instructs a trainee during a judo demonstration at a regional judo centre in the city of Kemerovo, in this January 24, 2012 file photo. [Photo: Agencies]
In judo, sixth to eighth Dan were a red and white patterned belt, ninth and tenth wear a solid red belt. Putin will not need a new belt to replace his previous sixth Dan belt by this promotion.
Judo is one of Putin's favorite sports. He won competitions in his hometown of St. Petersburg and earned Master of Sports title in judo. He also co-authored a book in Russian named "Judo with Vladimir Putin."
Russian President Vladimir Putin is practicing Judo with master players.
(Source: Chinanews.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is practicing Judo with master players.
(Source: Chinanews.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is practicing Judo with master players.
(Source: Chinanews.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is practicing Judo with master players.
(Source: Chinanews.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is practicing Judo with master players.
(Source: Chinanews.com)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is practicing Judo with master players.
(Source: Chinanews.com)
中国公共新闻摘编：GAN JADE |
