Vladimir Putin calls for nationwide Stalin-era physical fitness classes

fitness tests.Putin, a judo enthusiast and a regular swimmer, said that the restoration of GTO, a Russian acronym for “Ready for Labour and Defence”, would teach children “to stand up for themselves, their family and, in the final run, the fatherland”.GTO, which was introduced in 1931 under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin’s rule, required all school and university students to regularly pass physical training tests. Those managing to qualify would receive silver- or gold-coloured badges.In its early years, the GTO programme focused heavily on tests intended to make children ready for Red Army ser…

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