Russia deserved to win Universiade: Putin

Russsian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)

Khimki (Russia), July 20 (IANS): Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed speculations that their 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 achieve victories, loudly click their tongues and say ‘what great guys they are’,” Putin said during a meeting with the Universiade winners here Friday.

Putin added that by saying Russia was represented by professionals at the Kazan Games was pointless.

The World University Games came to a successful close Wednesday after 12 days of fierce competition as hosts Russia finished atop the medal table with a record-breaking 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 Putin.