The sports of Vladimir Putin: Judo, ice hockey and horseback riding as power tools
When you think of world leaders, most of them project power through speeches, military parades, or endless press conferences. But Vladimir Putin? He takes a totally different route—he laces up skates, straps on a judo gi, or strips down for a shirtless horseback ride through Siberia.
Forget policy papers, this guy is all about photo ops that scream: 'I'm tough, I'm in control, and I'm not afraid of a little blood, sweat, or wilderness.'
From the time he was a kid learning judo in Leningrad to the staged ice hockey matches where he glides across the rink scoring 'miraculous' goals, Putin has built an entire persona around sports and adventure. These aren't just hobbies. They're political tools. Every throw, every slapshot, every shirtless horseback ride has a bigger purpose, crafting the image of a strongman who can't be bent or broken.
But here's the kicker: it works. Whether people admire him, mock him, or roll their eyes, those images stick. They build a narrative that words alone couldn't. Putin knows exactly what he's doing, using sport and spectacle as part of his political playbook. Because in his world, power isn't just about policy, it's about perception. And nothing says 'unshakable leader' quite like a shirtless gallop through the Siberian wilderness.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Judo
Putin's been training in judo since he was 11, progressing to become a Leningrad champ before later earning a reputable rank, reports say as high as an eighth Dan black belt by 2012. He even co-authored books on the sport and filmed instructional videos, making judo as much about culture-building as it is about martial arts. A close friend and coach, former Italian judo star Ezio Gamba, says Putin trains like 'a kid with Lego', playful but serious.
Ice Hockey
Putin surfed onto the ice for gala hockey games, scoring multiple goals and even falling dramatically at one point. He's not just playing, he's center stage, showing that he can dominate in group play as well as solo stunts.
Shirtless horse-riding and wilderness escapades
There's no photo-op quite like a shirtless horseback ride through Siberia. Add in tranquilizing tigers, tagging polar bears, shooting crossbows at whales, and ice swimming, and you've got a catalog of 'look how tough I am' moments.
So yes, when you see Putin tossing someone over in judo or galloping shirtless in the wilderness, it's more than just a bold photo op. It's a performance, a branding campaign, and a power move rolled into one. Putin knows that in politics, perception is reality or at least, it can be if the photos, broadcasts, and carefully staged moments say so. And for him? That image of wild, macho elegance? It's all part of the game.
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