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Putin congratulates Russian champions of Universiade 2013

Russian President called victory of gymnast Alia Mustafina 'a splendid gift'

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, July 11 (Itar-Tass) - President Putin has congratulated twelve Russian champions who won gold medals at Universiade 2013 Student Games in Kazan, the Kremlin press service said on its website.

The gold medalists honored by the president are ten winners in the women's synchronous swimming event - Alexandra Zuyeva, Mikhaela Kalanchu, Darya Korobova, Anisja Olkhova, Alexandra Patskevich, Yelena Prokofyeva, Anzhelika Timanina, Vlada Chigiryova, Alla Shishkina and Maria Shurochkina.

"The synchronous swimmers have represented Russia in the competition with honor and lived up to the expectations of their numerous fans. In their very spectacular performance the competitors for the gold medal demonstrated excellent skills, irreproachable technique, the willpower and a genuine team spirit," Putin said in a message of congratulations.

The president also congratulated champion in the track and field event, runner Valentin Smirnov, who was best in the 1,500-meter race. "You have correctly distributed your efforts and won a victory in one of the most difficult racing events with honor," Putin said.

Putin congratulated Alia Mustafina who won gold in the gymnastics multi-discipline event.

"Your victory at the Univerisade was a splendid gift to all who had pinned hopes on you and believed in your strength and skills," Putin said in the message addressed to Mustafina.

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