All Japan Judo Federation President Yasuhiro Yamashita on Monday criticized Russian President and judoka Vladimir Putin, saying his country's aggression in Ukraine is against the ethos of the sport.
Putin, 69, previously paid a visit to the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, the headquarters of the sport's community, and is believed to be well-versed in the martial art created in Japan.
"Listening to the media reports of the inhumane acts committed in Ukraine and the Russian military aggression leaves me heartbroken," he wrote on his official website.
"President Putin is a Judoka and these actions are against the spirit and purpose of Judo. This cannot be tolerated."
The 64-year-old Yamashita, who won a gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the open category, said the purpose of judo includes "mutual prosperity" and "to strengthen the body and mind, to perfect oneself and ultimately contribute to the benefit of society."
"As a Judoka, my deepest sadness and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as well as all Judo lovers around the world. I hope that these cowardly acts be halted," Yamashita said.
Yamashita, who also heads the Japanese Olympic Committee, has stayed in line with international society in stepping up the pressure on Russia and has also said he is "not as close as people think" to Putin.
