Putin Makes Special Appearance on the Ice: Says Russia’s Sport Culture to be a Vital National Interest

We begin with news about an exhibition match of the Night Hockey League in Sochi. The match became the symbolic ending of the competition for the Krutov Cup – the League’s main trophy, which unites hockey fans from all over Russia. The team consisted of the sport’s prominent veterans and high-ranking officials, including Vladimir Putin. Aleksey Petrov reports on the match and investigates why the president deems it so important to develop not only a professional sport but an amateur sport as well, in Russia. Many well-known professional teams would envy such eager support of the fans at the amateur match. These days, Sochi is the capital of amateur hockey in Russia. The culmination of the holiday: a match between the amateur team and the legends of Russian hockey; Vladimir Putin came along with them. It has just been announced that Vladimir Putin is about to appear, and emotions are going off the charts! Everyone stood up in their seats, cameras, and phones in everyone's hands, preparing to record Vladimir Putin as he comes out on ice. Look at what is going on! Emotions are uncontrollable! Due to the initiative of Vladimir Putin, the Night Hockey League was established 7 years ago. Now, the president is coming onto the ice. Putin welcomes the rival team, although, of course, the competition is only on the ice — everyone here is in favor of hockey's development throughout the whole country. The is what the president has to say on the issue. Vladimir Putin: "I would like to thank you for going into sports, setting a good example for our future stars, the young athletes who are also here today, whom I want to welcome separately. Thanks to you, millions of people choose a healthy lifestyle. This is an amazing, truly significant contribution to the nation’s health. Thanks to the fans!" Hockey is much more than just a game for those who are now in the stands. They rewatch the legendary matches, know the names and awards of the players by heart. The hymn is playing and it seems, it's not only the whole of the Great Ice Arena, but the whole Sochi is singing along. The hockey legends are accompanied by Sergey Shoygu as well as Tula’s regional governor, Alexei Dyumin. The first goal is scored by Shoigu after a pass by Alexander Mogilny. This is the 2nd puck, which the legendary Russian player Pavel Bure scores after a pass by Putin. In the 7th minute, the third goal was scored by the head of the state. The gap increases — 3:0. A goal is scored again in the 14th minute, and again, it was the distinguished number 11 — Vladimir Putin. Players Gennady Timchenko, Vyacheslav Fetisov, Igor Butman, Vladimir Potanin seem to be discussing the course of the match during the first break. The second period is full of energy: Putin made another successful pass. The third 20-minute period begins — the players seem to coordinate their further actions on the rink. The third puck by Putin flew in right under the crossbar. The spectators — many of whom came to Sochi from afar — watch the game intently. "We're supporting good hockey, we're supporting Russia". "It was a spectacular match, a spectacular performance". "The game is cool!" "This is our first time attending a hockey match, and we enjoyed it immensely! Our Putin is also from St. Petersburg, like us; he is playing so well!” In total, Vladimir Putin scored five goals. He also demonstrated three effective passes. His opponents admit that it wasn't easy to play against such an opponent. - In your opinion, how did the president's play? Was it difficult to play against such an opponent? Aleksandr Mostovoi: You know, a player is judged by statistics; Putin's statistics were fantastic today so, of course, they played great. - How was the game? What are your impressions? Vadim Smagin: Excellent impressions! I'm playing with the president and the stars for the first time! It's so worth it! Dmitry Baryshev: It's nice to play against Vladimir Vladimirovich, I'm a hockey fan. I like it. It's great. It's a dream for many people to get the president's autograph on a T-shirt or a hockey stick. Vladimir Putin: "This stick is for you, it's made from the Kremlin tree". These sticks are made from a recycled Christmas tree, which stood in the Kremlin during holidays. After the game is over, even the opponents don't let the president go. The match is over. The score is 12:7. But the players are still on the rink — chatting and taking photographs together. For many amateur clubs, such a trophy is an incredible fortune. - So, the T-shirt with Putin's autograph is now an heirloom of the club, right? - To be honest, it's my second one! There are so many emotions, I can't even describe. But the key aspect is that there is a real boom of amateur hockey throughout the country. Many beginner athletes train in the sports complex of the Sirius educational center in Sochi. Dozens of simulators are installed here, for example, some are for the development of speed skills, and there are also racetracks of the kind that allow you to work out shots when turning. - This is for the students who struggle training directly on ice. Vladimir Putin: Are you talking about me? Not only hockey players are training here. This is a dream come true for young skaters. This section accepts students from the age of 9. Here are the newest exercise machines — here one can work out all the necessary skills, stretch muscles and after the warm-up, get out on the ice rink of the Sirius educational center. Vladimir Putin was also shown how young figure skaters train. Olga Efimova, figure skating coach: "After after our triumph in Sochi, all the parents signed up their kids for figure skating". - In your opinion, what is needed the most in order to become a great figure skater? Mariana Mukhina: Most importantly, it's perseverance and diligence. Every month, around 600 children come to Sirius. Young athletes and, of course, their coaches and parents are confident that they will soon be excelling on the big ice. Aleksei Petrov, Petr Ravnov, Oleg Makarov, Oleg Shavyrin, Vesti, Sochi.