Presentation of state decorations to the winners and medalists of the 14th Paralympic Winter Games 2026-03-19 18:45:00 The Kremlin, Moscow Vladimir Putin presented state decorations of the Russian Federation to the winners and medalists of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, at the Kremlin. The Games took place in Italy from March 6 to 15, 2026. The Russian team, comprising six athletes and one sighted guide, competed in three disciplines – cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding – and won a total of 12 medals: eight gold, one silver, and three bronze, securing third place in the overall team standings. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends, I am truly delighted to congratulate you – our national Russian team – on an extraordinary performance at the 14th Winter Paralympics. You did more than just achieve exceptional results. Many would agree that your participation in the Games marked one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of Paralympic sport. Competing against some of the world’s best athletes, you won 12 medals and secured a top-three finish – all with a team of just six athletes and one guide. By comparison, the teams that placed first and second were more than ten times the size of ours. You have shown both Russia and the world what it truly means to fulfil the lofty mission of a Paralympic athlete. That mission – and its well-known slogan – is “to inspire and excite the world.” And that is exactly what you did. Millions were captivated by your performances, inspired by your determination, resilience, and will to win. You also brought the most powerful, heartfelt emotions to Russian fans, giving them genuine reasons to cheer and celebrate your achievements. For the first time in 12 years, we saw our beloved Russian flag raised above the Paralympic podium and heard our national anthem with a special sense of pride and emotion – thanks to you. You have made the return of Russia’s key national symbols to the international stage truly triumphant, without exaggeration. Skier Anastasia Bagiyan demonstrated outstanding performance. Together with her guide, Sergei Sinyakin, you left no chance to your competitors and ascended to the top step of the podium three times. Varvara Voronchikhina displayed exceptional skill. The youngest member of our team, she opened the tally of victories for the Russian national team at the Games, securing medals in every discipline she competed in. Two golds, a silver, and a bronze in alpine skiing – this is simply splendid, a magnificent debut. The Games were also triumphant for Ivan Golubkov – he twice proved his undisputed leadership in sit-ski races. We all know that Ivan has publicly declared that these victories are dedicated to Russia, to his country. The most experienced athlete on our team, alpine skier Alexei Bugayev, brought a fitting conclusion to our team’s performance. By claiming two bronzes and the long-awaited gold medal, he propelled our team to what seemed an impossible third place in the overall standings. Friends, Your energy, focus on results, self-belief, and relentless training have led to a significant and meaningful success – both personal and on the scale of our vast country. Your performances and victories, your journey to success – these are a shining example of how one can and must overcome any life circumstances, always maintaining dignity and optimism, resilience and composure, and remaining true to one’s principles, traditions, and convictions. Special words of gratitude go to those who have guided you towards victory for many years – your coaches. Under pressure and restrictions, and without adequate competitive practice, they have upheld the highest standards of the national coaching school, the very foundation of our Fatherland’s numerous sporting achievements, of its glorious history, which has been and will continue to be shaped by heroes like you. Once again, I congratulate everyone on the outstanding success at the recent Paralympic Games. Thank you for your perseverance, hard work, and mastery. Allow me to wish you further victories. <…>