Putin congratulated Smirnov, honorary president of the ROC, on his 90th birthday

Russian President Vladimir Putin, congratulating honorary president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Vitaly Smirnov on his 90th birthday, noted his contribution to the development of the Olympic movement. The congratulatory telegram was published on the Kremlin website.

"For many years of work in the International Olympic Committee, in the leadership of the ROC, you have made a huge, truly invaluable contribution to the development of the Olympic movement, strengthening its fundamental principles and values, always firmly, uncompromisingly defended the ideals of fair sporting struggle, the legitimate rights and interests of athletes," the congratulatory message reads.

Putin called Smirnov's professional path a vivid example of selfless service to sport and the Fatherland and emphasized the role of the Olympic movement figure in the preparation and holding of many prestigious competitions held in Russia.

The head of state stressed that Smirnov's organizational, creative and popular activities deserve the deepest recognition. In addition to the anniversary, Putin congratulated the honorary president of the ROC on being awarded the title of Hero of Labor.

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Vitaly Smirnov is the honorary president of the Russian Olympic Committee, an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the executive committee of the ROC. Smirnov is the IOC member with the longest experience - 40 years. He is also a full cavalier of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland and a Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation (2025).