Ceremony to present state decorations 2026-04-22 20:20:00 The Kremlin, Moscow The ceremony to present state decorations to the winners of world boxing championships and representatives of the Russian Boxing Federation took place in the Kremlin’s St Catherine Hall. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends, I am delighted to see you. Russia’s best boxers, winners of international tournaments are gathered here today. Both our male and female teams dominated the world championships in 2025 in the team rating. Our professionals have also excelled in their competitions. It gives me sincere joy and pleasure to congratulate all of you on this success. Your performances and results are a significant contribution to Russia's efforts to assert its leadership in world sport, a position it holds firmly despite unscrupulous attempts to undermine it. The disgraceful and, frankly, cowardly, politically motivated behaviour of the former leadership of the International Olympic Committee has caused enormous damage to the Olympic movement and to the very principles of Olympism. The selective sanctions against Russian athletes, imposed under the pretext of condemning Russia's actions to protect our people and our interests in the conflict in Ukraine, while ignoring numerous similar and equally tragic armed conflicts around the globe, have only exposed the corruption and political bias of a significant part of international sports officials. I hope that the new leadership of the IOC and international sports organisations turn their backs on this legacy as quickly as possible. Their predecessor left them a burdensome and, as I have already said, disgraceful legacy. I am confident that many more sporting triumphs lie ahead for you and your fellow athletes across various sports disciplines, including at major international competitions, and that these victories will take place under our national flag, and to the accompaniment of the Russian national anthem. Russia is gradually returning to the global sporting arena and doing so with dignity. Our swimmers, fencers, canoeists, gymnasts, judokas and wrestlers all delivered outstanding performances in the past sporting season. But, of course, the truly exceptional achievement – without exaggeration – was the Russian Paralympic Team’s triumph in Milan. As you know, they secured third place in the overall team standings with a squad that was several times smaller – indeed, several times smaller – than those of their main competitors. This is an outstanding result. These victories were achieved not by numbers, but by skill, talent and determination. Our junior athletes are also a source of pride, across a wide range of sports. The state will, of course, continue to develop the sports sector in all its dimensions, ensuring broad opportunities for participation in elite, professional and grassroots sport, and actively promoting sport, above all among children and young people. As we all know, sport is not just about physical strength and agility; it is a way of life built on the values of health, mutual respect, which is very important, determination and responsibility. Friends, once again, I warmly congratulate you all on your achievements and on receiving state decorations. I wish you success and many more victories – to you, your teammates, your coaches and your mentors. All the best to you, and congratulations. (Ceremony for presenting state decorations.)  <…> Vladimir Putin: Friends, Once again, I congratulate you on your state decorations – well-deserved state decorations. One of the recipients just said that you fought and brought home medals in the name of, and for, the Motherland, for Russia. For its part, the Motherland, Russia, will do everything to support you. Yes, this may seem like a traditionally male sport, but I am pleased to note that our ladies are also performing at the very highest level. And life goes on, and what is especially pleasing: just before we entered this hall, I was quietly told that one of you is expecting a child, which is particularly wonderful news. I hope you will be a happy mother and will also contribute to another vitally important priority for the country: demographic development. I wish you happiness, wellbeing and good health. Once again, congratulations on your achievements. Thank you very much!