On Thursday evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin received the Russian athletes who participated in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at the Kremlin, where he congratulated them on their exceptional performance.
"I am delighted to congratulate our Russian national team on this outstanding performance," Putin said in a speech during a ceremony to award state honors to members of the Russian Paralympic team, stressing that the Russian flag and anthem have triumphantly returned to the international sports arena thanks to the achievements of the Paralympic athletes.
The Russian president added, addressing the champions: "You have clearly demonstrated to Russia and the whole world who truly embodies the noble message of the Paralympic athlete, and this message and its motto are known to all - to inspire and delight the world - and that is exactly what you have done."
The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games were held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from March 6 to 15, with the participation of hundreds of athletes from around the world.
Among them were six Russian athletes who competed under their country's flag, with the right to use national symbols and have the national anthem played during the coronation ceremony.
Russian athletes managed to win 12 medals, including 8 gold, one silver, and 3 bronze, achieving third place in the overall medal standings, a remarkable accomplishment considering their limited number as participants.
