Putin called Ivan Yedeshko a legendary basketball player

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Soviet basketball player, Olympic champion in 1972 and Honored Coach of the USSR Ivan Yedeshko, calling him a legendary mentor.

"Ivan Ivanovich Edeshko, the legendary basketball player, mentor and teacher, has died. Ivan Ivanovich devoted his talent to sports. He has represented our country with honor at the most prestigious world tournaments and the Olympic Games, and has won dozens of awards," the telegram says on the Kremlin's website.

The Head of State noted that Edeshko rightfully enjoyed the respect and recognition of colleagues, as well as numerous fans, generously shared his experience and knowledge with young players, educated new generations of worthy athletes and coaches, and also carried out extensive community work.

"In this sad hour, please accept my condolences and words of support," the president wrote.

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The death of the honored coach of the USSR became known on July 30 — he died at the age of 82. The press service of the CSKA professional basketball club expressed sincere condolences to the family and friends. Later it became known that the cause of death of the Soviet basketball player was a heart attack.

The president of the Russian Basketball Federation, Andrei Kirilenko, noted that Edeshko, who became the author of the famous "golden pass" in the final of the 1972 Olympic Games, forever inscribed his name in the history of sports.