MOSCOW, July 19 (Xinhua) -- President Vladimir Putin Friday slapped speculations that Russia's overwhelming victory at the just-concluded Universiade was won by professional athletes.
"Unfortunately, there have always been people in our country who, when our rivals over there make some successes and win victories, loudly click their tongues and say, 'what great guys they are,'" Putin said during a meeting with the Universiade winners at a training center in Khimki outside Moscow.
The saying that Russia was represented by professionals at the Kazan game was "pointless," Putin added.
"You just can't help advising them to do some sports themselves, or if there are questions about health, go to a doctor," the Interfax news agency quoted Putin as saying.
The World University Games came to a successful close on Wednesday after 12 days of fierce competition as host Russia finished atop the medal table with a record-breaking amount of 155 gold medals.
Russia staged an awe-inspiring performance by breaking the previous gold-medal record of 75, set by China at the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade.
"I believe all this talk, as they say, is like campaigning for the poor. You should talk less and care less about this," said the president.
Elder couples celebrate golden wedding anniversary in Hangzhou
Feedback
RSS
