Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with China Media Corporation in an interview that highlights his lasting love for hockey. The discussion appeared on the Kremlin site.
Putin noted that he began skating at age ten, and before that he did not stand on skates at all. He learned to skate and to play hockey concurrently, embracing both activities as he grew into adulthood.
He described the sport as a source of joy, emphasizing that team play brings constant energy, strong emotions, and a meaningful break from current events.
Earlier, Russian goalkeeper Mikhail Sergachev, who has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2017, praised Putin’s performance in a hockey match. Sergachev has twice lifted the Stanley Cup above his head, achieving the feat in 2020 and again in 2021.
In a lighter moment, Putin made a playful joke about the highest level of government in Russia, drawing smiles in the interview setting.