Mr Ivanov congratulated all Dynamo members on the club’s 90th anniversary, calling it a big event in Russian sports history and noting that Russia has every reason to be proud of the achievements of people such as Lev Yashin, the Dynamo football team’s legendary goalkeeper, speed skater Maria Isakova, and figure skaters Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov.
Those who have come through Dynamo’s ranks have not only made an invaluable contribution to developing physical culture in general and defending Russia’s sporting honour, but have always been true patriots, Mr Ivanov said. Members of the Dynamo club fought in the Great Patriotic War, and in Afghanistan and other conflict zones. Dynamo members working in the law enforcement and security agencies have always performed their professional duties with honour and courage.
Mr Ivanov noted that Dynamo continues its steady development despite its venerable age, and a new generation of athletes is now successfully competing for Russia in big international sports events.
Mr Ivanov also congratulated Moscow Dynamo Hockey Club on their victory in the Gagarin Cup.
Mr Ivanov passed on to Dynamo President Vladimir Pronichev a letter of thanks to the whole Dynamo club from Vladimir Putin and read out Mr Putin’s greetings to everyone attending the anniversary concert.