Rustam Minnikhanov: The victory of Zenit-Kazan in the world volleyball championship is our common success

On December 21, at the Saint-Petersburg Volleyball Centre in Kazan, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Chairman of the local State Council, Head of Tatarstan Volleyball Federation Farid Mukhametshin, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport of the republic Vladimir Leonov and President of Zenit-Kazan Volleyball Club Rafkat Kantyukov took part in Zenit-Kazan Volleyball Club players and coaching staff awarding ceremony.  

On the night between the 17th and 18th of December, Zenit-Kazan won gold in the club world championship for the first time in history, defeating Italy’s Civitanova with a score of 3:0 in the final.

"It is a special day for all of us. Thanks to our heroes Zenit-Kazan is the best team in the world. This team has already won everything that is possible and impossible. I would like to express my gratitude to the sportsmen, the coach and his assistants, and the staff of the club. Also, many thanks to the fans, without you such results would not be possible. This is our common success!” Minnikhanov stressed.

On instructions from Tatarstan President, captain of the team Alexander Butko and coach of the team Vladimir Alekno were awarded the Letter of Acknowledgement to Zenit-Kazan Volleyball Club.

In his turn, Alekno handed in the gold medal of the club world championship to Tatarstan President. The coach of the best volleyball team of the planet thanked Minnikhanov for overall support. "When the President is a sportsman, respects and likes sports, then sports in the republic is in order. That is why we are strong. Thank you for being with us!” the coach said.

The ceremony was held before the Champions League match between Zenit-Kazan and Berlin teams.