Russian news Agency RIA said Putin, 66, injured a finger during the training session of the country's national judo team in Sochi, but that did not prevent him from completing the drill.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019. (Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the training session of the country's national judo team in Sochi on Thursday.

Russian TV showed Putin - a judo black belt holder - throwing one athlete after another on the floor.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019. (Reuters)

Russian news Agency RIA said Putin, 66, injured a finger during the training session but that did not prevent him from completing the drill.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (R) play an ice hockey game at Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia February 15, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (R) play an ice hockey game at Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia February 15, 2019. (Reuters)

Putin has long cultivated a tough-guy image and has previously been shown on TV playing ice-hockey, handling an Amur tiger, riding a horse and diving to the bottom of the Black Sea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warms up before playing ice hockey at Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia February 15, 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warms up before playing ice hockey at Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia February 15, 2019. (Reuters)