RIA Novosti spotlights Vladimir Putin’s sporting hobbies ahead of the Russian President’s 60th birthday, on October 7.
Along with martial arts, Putin is very fond of skiing and hockey.
To broaden his experience in winter sports, Putin has tried his hand at biathlon shooting. Of the five shots he fired, three hit the target.
In February 2012, Putin got a taste of bobsleigh racing. He joined a bob crew to race down the track as a brakeman.
Putin is also known as an enthusiastic hockey player.
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© RIA Novosti . Alexey Druszinin
He has tried his hand at car racing as well, taking several laps around an F1 circuit at a speed of 240 k/hr.
In terrains impassable for cars, Putin will have no problem continuing his travel on horseback.
Putin is always curious to try his hand in exotic sports such as arm wrestling…
Or in the old Russian game known as gorodki.
To keep fit, Putin often works on the heavy bag when he gets a spare minute.
Swimming is yet another sporting hobby for the Russian President.
He is equally passionate about fishing, and will indulge this hobby whenever he gets some quality time to spend on the bank of a river or a lake.
After the Olympic Games, world championships and other high-profile international tournaments, Putin always meets up with Russian medalists to thank them for their top-notch performances and contribution to the nation’s sporting glory.
And after work, Russia’s Chief Executive may relax by playing a game of bowling.
