Rustam Minnikhanov meets with Tatarstan athletes who took part in FINA Worlds 2015

At the beginning of the event, Lilia Nizamova received a commendation from the Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan for winning a triple world champion title in synchronised swimming. Her coach, Ninel Kozhedub, was acknowledged as well. Interim President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated all the participants on success at the FINA World Championships and reminded that FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione called the event the best World Championships in the history of the International Swimming Federation.

"We are pleased that the Russian delegation’s roster also included representatives of Tatarstan. Russia placed third in the overall team standings. I believe that leaders of federations, Russian Ministry of Sport, and we have learned our weaknesses and reserves," Minnikhanov said. "The Russian team is far ahead of its rivals in synchronised swimming, and we should keep these positions. But, we should also use every opportunity to catch up in other disciplines."

Talking about water polo, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Kazan has its own traditions in this sport. "We should use this potential, especially that of Volga Region Academy of Physical Culture and Sports. On the one hand, we can put together a team of those who can pass on their knowledge to next generations, and on the other hand we can attract young people who would like to dedicate their lives to sports," the Interim President of Tatarstan said.

He also paid attention to the fact that Kazan was well-prepared for the World Championships and Kazan residents actively attended sporting events, including the Masters tournament. "This is a serious achievement to get on the national team. The Olympics will be held next year and representatives of Tatarstan must surely participate in them. We have good expectations. But this requires hard work, methodical effort and potential, of course. We should create all the conditions for our most aspiring athletes," Rustam Minnikhanov said.

"We are proud that we have athletes who can compete on a global level. Some of them did well, some of them did not. Sport is sport but our athletes’ potential is huge," he said.

Tatarstan's Minister of Youth and Sports Vladimir Leonov thanked the Interim President of Tatarstan for his support and assistance in making the FINA World Championships a success. He stressed that for the first time ever such a large number of Tatarstan athletes were part of the Russian team.

Athletes and coaches also expressed their words of appreciation and suggestions during the meeting. In particular, establishment of a synchronised swimming centre in Naberezhnye Chelny was discussed.

Source: Tatar-inform Information Agency