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  • 15 years ago
He shoots, he scores.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin puts on his skates to show his support for Russian hockey ahead of 2012 elections.
This is the latest publicity stunt by the former Russian president as he seeks a third term in office.
At a meeting later, he announced he had asked Rosneft, the country's biggest oil company, to buy the legendary but cash-strapped CSKA hockey club.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:
"Hockey, after all, is a special type of sport and here, in our home country, with the holding of the Olympic games, the entire country - without any exaggeration - the entire country will be waiting for a worthy performance, a good performance, a fight. It's a very heavy task for the guys - the future team members, and of course for the coach. We need to do everything to create the provisions for their work, for their preparation - both the hockey team and, in general, our national Olympic team."
It's hoped the move will inject much-needed cash into the club.
Observers say it's also meant to garner support for Putin's political party ahead of parliamentary polls later this month.
Jessica Gray, Reuters
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