Rustam Minnikhanov: We are proud of the athletes and coaches who glorify Tatarstan

On March 10, in the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with Tatarstan athletes-winners of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing and Paralympic athletes.

Minnikhanov emphasized that despite the current situation with the performance at the Games in neutral status and pressure from the international community, athletes demonstrated high sportsmanship, determination in achieving goals and an unbending belief in victory.

“Thanks to you, the sports industry of Tatarstan receives a new impetus to the development of winter sports,” he said.

Success at the Olympics is the result of the hard work of coaches, sports federations, clubs and institutions, Tatarstan President noted. He separately thanked the relatives and friends of the athletes who supported them at all competitions and were always there.

Minnikhanov assured that the republic will continue to establish comfortable conditions for the training process of the sports reserve, as well as for the involvement of the younger generation in sports. To date, there are more than 11,000 sports facilities operating in Tatarstan, most of which meet all the world standards.

The existing sports infrastructure allows more than 50 major all-Russian and international sports events to be held annually in the republic. Construction of sports facilities will continue.

He also expressed his support for the Tatarstan Paralympians Rushan Minnegulov and Marta Zaynullina. “You deserve the highest praise. The unjust, totally unfounded exclusion of our athletes from the Beijing Paralympic Games should not break your morale. We will do our best to protect you and provide the necessary assistance and support,” Minnikhanov addressed the athletes.

“We are proud of the athletes and coaches who glorify Tatarstan. I am sure there are still a lot of glorious victories ahead. You will continue to give us unforgettable emotions, create a bright history of sports achievements of the republic and the country,” he added.

Then, Minnikhanov handed in a number of state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan to athletes and coaches.