Vladimir Putin: The Universiade is a festive occasion for the entire nation

What has been done in Kazan in the run-up to the Summer Universiade makes a favourable impression, a large amount of work has been completed and the city is turning into a true sports capital of Russia, stated President Vladimir Putin during the session of the Council under the Russian Federation President for Development of Physical Culture and Sport which took place at the Main International Centre in the Universiade Village.

Despite its high level of readiness to host the World University Games, Kazan must keep moving, Vladimir Putin cautioned. 

"Out of 29 sports venues that were scheduled to be constructed ahead of the competitions, 27 have already been put into service. Moreover, some of them exhibit unique characteristics and will be able to host high-profile sporting events in the future," the Russian President said. Vladimir Putin specifically mentioned the Kazan Arena Stadium, which is being built in accordance with all requirements of FIFA, and the Universiade Village. 

"From the very beginning we've been planning to build a complex tailored to the needs of Volga Region Federal University and Volga Region Academy of Physical Culture, and of course this complex will become a major student campus in Russia. Given that the federal training centre, where national teams in aquatic sports will train, will be located here as well, Kazan obtains a comprehensive education and sports cluster where national and international competitions will be held on a regular basis and new generations of domestic athletes will be nurtured," Vladimir Putin said. 

"The Universiade is a festive occasion for the entire nation. It's important to ensure that as much as possible students from regions can come to see the competitions and support our team. I request you to look into this matter carefully and help tackle all organisational issues," the Russian President said.