Valentin Khardin, four-time world champion in ball hockey, has died

Four-time world champion and Honored Master of Sports of the USSR in ball hockey Valentin Khardin died at the age of 86. This was reported by the Ball Hockey Federation on January 9.

The cause of death is not specified.

Hardin won the USSR championships six times, as well as became five-time silver and two-time bronze medalist in them.

As a member of the Soviet Union's national team, he became a world champion in 1961, 1963, 1965 and 1967 and captured the European Champions Cup in 1974. After his playing career ended, Hardin became a coach and officiated.

The Russian Ball Hockey Federation expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.