Putin congratulates judoka Kanikovsky on his victory at the World Championships in Hungary

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Russian athlete Matvey Kanikovsky on his victory at the 2025 World Judo Championships in the weight category up to 100 kg. The congratulatory telegram of the head of state was published on the Kremlin's official website on June 20.

"At the World Championships in Budapest, you showed excellent fighting qualities and a determined attitude, and in the final match you confidently defeated an experienced, distinguished opponent. We have added another gold to the piggy bank of our national team," Putin's message of congratulations reads.

The Russian leader called Kanikovsky's victory beautiful and convincing, and wished him new achievements in sports.

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On June 18, it became known that Kanikovsky became the world judo champion in the weight category up to 100 kg. He defeated the Japanese Dota Arai. The bronze medal was awarded to Russian Arman Adamyan in this weight category.