VLADIMAR Putin has been awarded his 8th Dan by the International Judo Federation.
The Russian president regularly trans in Judo and prior to his advancement was a 6th Dan and honorary president of the IJF.
IJF president Marius Vizer said in a statement: "Being the Honorary President of the IJF, an Emeritus and recognised Judoka, and having the stature of the Head of State of a pre-eminent country, Vladimir Putin is the perfect ambassador for our sport.
"It is a great honour 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.
"President Putin represents a high expression of the Judo values in the world."
It was a double celebration as Putin had his 60th birthday as well. It is obly the second time in Russian history that an 8th Dan has been awarded.
Former president of the Russian Judo Federation, Gennady Kaletkin was also awarded an 8th Dan in the past.
As well as Judo, Putin also train in Russian wrestling system Sambo when a youngster.
Putin has also written a Judo training manual and co-recorded an instructional DVD with Yasuhiro Yamashita, the Japanese world champion.
By Luke Robbins
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