Rustam Minnikhanov meets Ak Bars hockey team before the beginning of the Gagarin Cup 2026 play-off games

On 21 March the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov had a traditional meeting with the Ak Bars team before the beginning of the Gagarin Cup 2026 Continental Hockey League play-off games.

Speaking to players and coaches of the team, the Rais of the republic said: “AkBars hockey team is our pride and hockey has a special meaning in the republic.”

“Of course, a game is a game. But we are always with you. There will be a fight, and everyone wants to win. We ask you to take care of yourselves. I wish everyone good luck and health. Tatarstan is always with you! You will win we will rejoice, you will lose – we will weep with you. You are a strong team and this is what means, “Rustam, Minnikhanov concluded.

In their turn the players thanked the Rais of the republic for the support and in the end of the meeting Rustam Minnikhanov handed in the Chief Coach of Ak Bars Anvar Gatiyatullin the state award of the republic – the Medal ”For valiant Work”.