Press releases

Putin, Lukashenko play hockey in Sochi

SOCHI, 15 February (BelTA - TASS) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko took the ice at Shayba Arena for some hockey action after visiting Sirius Education Center in Sochi on 15 February.

The presidents donning red and white uniforms played for Tigers Team against Bears Team in blue and red jerseys. Vladimir Putin sported jersey number 11, Alexander Lukashenko number 1. The son of the Belarusian leader, Nikolai Lukashenko, also hit the ice. The game was held with journalists in presence. 

Alexander Lukashenko, his son and a number of other players took the ice for a half an hour warm-up ahead of the game.

Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko played hockey together before. In January 2014 in Sochi they played as part of the “red” team against the team featuring outstanding hockey players and civil servants wearing white jerseys. The “red” team also comprised a number of well-known players and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. On 29 December 2018 Vladimir Putin invited his Belarusian counterpart to play a friendly of the Night Hockey League in Red Square. Alexander Lukashenko, however, did not take part due to a busy schedule.

Putin and Lukashenko's team win ice hockey game in Sochi 16:1

SOCHI, 15 February (BelTA - TASS) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko scored goals during the ice hockey game at Shayba Arena in Sochi on 15 February. Tigers Team, that the two presidents played for, thrashed Bears Team 16:1.

The game lasted for three 15-minute periods. Tigers Team players were donning red and white uniforms while Bears Team players blue and red jerseys. The son of the Belarusian leader, Nikolai Lukashenko, was also part of Tigers Team. He sported jersey No 1, like his father. Vladimir Putin was wearing jersey number 11.

Both Vladimir Putin and also Alexander and Nikolai Lukashenko scored goals, in some cases they assisted each other’s goals.

Before the game, after the warm-up and during breaks, Putin and Lukashenko talked to each other while on the bench, and also talked to other participants and guests.

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