Putin is the first Russian to have been awarded the eighth dan, joining a handful of judo fighters in the world who have achieved such status.

Russia's Alexander Mikhaylin, who has won three world heavyweight titles and also claimed the silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics, has a sixth dan.

The award marked Putin's 60th birthday, on October 7, which chimed in with the IJF's own 60th anniversary which was celebrated at last year's world championships in Paris.

Putin, an Emeritus and recognised judoka, is Honorary President of the IJF.

"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," said Marius L Vizer, the IJF President, before adding: "President Putin represents a high expression of the judo values in the world."

"Dan" is the Japanese word for "step", and represents levels of expertise for those who have attained a black belt – the highest ranked of all colours.

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