Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lauded a “brilliant” opening of Russia’s judo exponents during a London Olympics, where they have won 3 bullion medals.
Putin cheered from a stands as Tagir Khaibulaev, a 2011 universe champion, kick reigning Olympic champion Naidan Tuvshinbayar of Mongolia in a men’s 100kg difficulty final by ippon.
It was a third bullion during these Games for Russia after Arsen Galstyan won a 60kg difficulty Saturday and Mansur Isaev took bullion in a 73kg.
“It’s a shining success, a likes of that we’ve never had in a story of Russian or Soviet sport,” Putin said.
Ivan Nifontov won bronze in a 81kg on Tuesday, adding adult to 4 judo medals for Russia in total.
“As distant as we know, before there was usually was such victory, during a Moscow Olympics,” Putin said, referring to a 5 medals, including dual golds, won by a Soviets in 1980.
Putin’s one-day trip, his initial to Britain in 9 years, saw a Russian personality plead a Syrian dispute and appetite team-work with Cameron, as good as dropping in on a judo.
Putin is a judo black belt and starred in a enlightening video Let’s Learn Judo With Vladimir Putin in 2008.