Honored Judo coach of the USSR Vladimir Kaplin died at the age of 78.

Vladimir Kaplin, the former head coach of the USSR and Russian national judo teams, died at the age of 78. This was announced on August 6 by the press service of the Russian Judo Federation (FDR) on its website.

The cause of death is not specified. The honored Worker of physical culture celebrated his 77th birthday only on July 29. The federation said that Kaplin's name will forever remain in the history of Russian sports.

"Over the years, Vladimir Nikolaevich has educated more than one generation of athletes, many of whom have achieved high results on the national and international arenas. His professionalism, dedication and boundless love for his sport earned him the well—deserved respect of his colleagues both in Russia and far beyond its borders," FDR said in a Telegram channel message.

Kaplin had the title of Honored Coach of the USSR. He also held the positions of Executive Director of the FDR and Vice President of the organization. For his many years of work and great contribution to the development of Russian judo, he had a Medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree, as well as an honorary badge of the Russian Judo Federation, the Golden Belt of a Judoka.

"The Russian judo family expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vladimir Nikolaevich. The date and time of the funeral will be announced additionally," the federation added.