The President was joined in the box for honoured guests by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga.
The World Judo Championships are taking place in Baku on September 20–27 under the aegis of the International Judo Federation. The championships involve over 800 athletes from more than 130 countries who are competing in 15 events.
During the break in the competition, Vladimir Putin briefly spoke with the Russian national team. The President said that the athletes demonstrated a commendable performance and, despite being defeated by France, have every chance of winning a bronze medal.
The President thanked the coaches. After the meeting, Vladimir Putin posed for a group photo with the athletes and wished them more victories in the future.