Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a hockey match during the opening of a new season of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi yesterday.
Reuters
Sochi
Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday marked his 63rd birthday in his favourite Black Sea resort of Sochi by taking part in an ice hockey match and holding a briefing on his country’s military campaign in Syria.
The Russian leader took part in an ice hockey match in an arena used in the 2014 Winter Olympics, personally scoring seven goals. Cheered on by the crowd, his team, which included his defence minister and a clutch of ex-NHL stars, won 15-10. The losing team included old friends of Putin, including some of the wealthiest businessmen in Russia.
Clad in an ice hockey uniform in the colours of the Russian flag, state TV showed Putin addressing spectators and his fellow players in the arena. “He who acts and aims for victory will undoubtedly achieve victory. Good luck everyone!” he said.
