Vasily Anisimov has been re-elected as President of the Russian Judo Federation

Billionaire businessman Vasily Anisimov has been re-elected as President of the Russian Judo Federation (FDR).

The 69-year-old, who made his fortune in banks and aluminium before investing in property, was the only candidate and re-elected unanimously, reported Russia’s official state news agency TASS.

Anisimov has overseen a successful period for judo in Russia.

At London 2012, Russia finished top of the judo medals.

They won five medals, including golds for Arsen Galstyan in the under-60 kilograms, Mansur Isaev in the under-73kg and Tagir Khaibulaev in the under 100kg.

Vasily Anisimov celebrates with Arsen Galstyan after his Olympic gold medal in the under-60kg category at London 2012
Vasily Anisimov celebrates with Arsen Galstyan after his Olympic gold medal in the under-60kg category at London 2012

At Rio 2016, Russia slipped to third in the table with five medals.

But they still won two thanks to Beslan Mudranov in the under-60kg and Khasan Khalmurzaev in the under-81kg.

Anisimov was re-elected along with several vice-presidents, including European Judo Union President Sergey Soloveichik.

Also re-elected as a vice-president was Boris Rotenberg, a former judo training partner of Vladimir Putin and who remains a close confidant of the Russian President.

Ivan Nifontov, an Olympic bronze medallist in the under-81kg event at London 2012, was elected to the FDR Presidium.