Rustam Minnikhanov: Hockey is the most important sport both in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan

On April 17, before a friendly match between veterans of hockey of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that hockey is the most important sport both in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan.

Acting Head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov, who also took part in the event, greeted the audience and reminded that the Days of Tatarstan have started in Bashkortostan today.

Thousands of fans gathered to support hockey players, with almost all stands occupied at the Ufa-Arena Sports Complex.

Minnikhanov noted that a large delegation, including cultural figures, representatives of business circles, as well as a team of hockey players arrived in Ufa during the Days of Tatarstan in Bashkortostan. “I wish you a good game and thank everyone who have come to cheer up for our athletes!” he added.

After the state anthems of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan and the Republic of Bashkortostan sounded, Minnikhanov and Khabirov made a symbolic throw-in of the puck.