Russia and China oppose politicization of sports, Putin says

Moscow, Jan 25 (Prensa Latina) Russia and China oppose the politicization of sports, public boycotts and support Olympic values, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday during a meeting with members of his country's Olympic team.

At the meeting with Russian athletes who will participate in the 24th Winter Olympic Games, from February 4 to 20 in Beijing, the president stressed the importance of observing values such as equality and justice, according to the Kremlin’s official website.

He added that during his visit to China to attend the opening of the event, he will meet with President Xi Jinping.

“We will certainly outline new plans in our relations, taking into account our agreements for the celebration of the anniversary of Russian-Chinese cooperation in physical education and sports, among other things,” Putin said.

According to the Russian head of State, the main goal of these competitions is to involve as many citizens as possible in sports and strengthen friendship among peoples.

Putin urged the Russian athletes to strictly comply with all the requirements of the Organizing Committee for the Winter Olympic Games, including all medical instructions.

He expressed confidence that Beijing will provide all necessary conditions, both within the framework of the competitive process and in terms of the stay of participants in the Games and in terms of the health safety of athletes and spectators. However, Putin stressed that “in Russia we are not afraid of difficulties: they always make us stronger, more united, more confident. I am sure that all these qualities will be fully demonstrated in Beijing.”