Russian President meets with 2011 WU Medallists

MOSCOW – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev extended his gratitude to the Russian national team for their victories in Erzurum

“Accept this gratitude not only on my behalf but on behalf of your supporters as well that see your success as of your future victories,” the President said. “I’m positive that there will be many victories in your sports career and hope that I will have a chance to congratulate you on your sports achievements.”

President Dmitry Medvedev also expressed hope that “we will stage a brilliant Universiade in Kazan that will remain in memory of both athletes and supporters from all over the world”. He stated that the successful delivery of the Games would enable Russia to develop its sports infrastructure. “The major part of the sports venues under construction will serve the nation, the republic that hosts the Universiade and will create new opportunities for practicing sports”, the President said.

Alia Iksanova addressed Dmitry Medvedev on behalf of the Russian national team. The two-time 2011 Winter Universiade champion expressed her gratitude for the support rendered to athletes by the Russian government. “We strained every effort to win. I want to thank the Russian Student Sports Union’s administration, Russian Ministry of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy and all those who contributed to this victory – coaches, organizers, supporters,” the Tatarstan skier said and presented the President with the 2011 Winter Universiade’s mascot – a two-headed eagle. “That’s a nice mascot, it’s two-headed like our national coat of arms,” Dmitry Medvedev joked.

Men’s national ice hockey team captain Sergey Salnikov addressed the President as well. “We wanted to gain this victory because we were aware that the whole nation supports us,” he thanked Dmitry Medvedev on behalf of his team.

The Russian athletes are first in the medal tally with 39 medals: 14 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze. Korea is second with a total of 15 medals and Ukraine is third. Tatarstan athletes made a considerable contribution to Russia’s medal count lead.

(Source: Media Department of Kazan 2013 Executive Directorate – Photos: vesti.ru)