Mr Medvedev signed the relevant executive order in August this year. In accordance with the document Russia's athletes are rewarded “for their great contribution to the development of physical culture and sports and outstanding athletic achievements at the 2008 XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing”.
In keeping with tradition the awards ceremony is being held in the Kremlin's St Catherine Hall. At the beginning of the ceremony President Medvedev briefly welcomed the winners of state decorations.
Russian athletes won 72 medals in Beijing (23 gold, 21 silver and 28 bronze).