Putin praises Second European Games in Minsk

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach in Minsk yesterday.

"I think we can congratulate Belarus on the good organization of such a large-scale event. Your visit to Belarus is also a great event for all sports lovers. It adds to the value of the medals contested here," TASS cited the Russian leader as saying.

Bach also said the organization of the Games was perfect and hailed the good atmosphere at stadiums.

He also congratulated the Russian leader on the good performance of Russian athletes, who had won more than 100 medals at the Games.

The Second European Games in Minsk were held on June 21-30 in Minsk. More than 4,000 athletes will compete in 15 kinds of sports for 200 medal sets. Eight of the sports will offer qualification opportunities for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

The First European Games were held on June 12-28, 2015 in Baku.