Rustam Minnikhanov presents Orders of Merit for the Republic of Tatarstan to hockey players Aleksey Morozov and Danis Zaripov

On July 5 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov presented Orders of Merit for the Republic of Tatarstan to hockey players Aleksey Morozov and Danis Zaripov.

The event was held in Kremlin and attended by Director General of OAO Tatneft, Ak Bars Hockey Club President Shafagat Takhautdinov, Tatarstan Minister of Youth Affairs, Sports and Tourism Rafis Burganov, Chief of Staff to Tatarstan President Yuri Kamaltynov and others.

Presenting highest awards to the athletes, Tatarstan President pointed out that it was a meaningful event. “You did a lot for hockey development in Tatarstan and Russia. You made an important contribution to sports achievements,” Tatarstan President said.

“I want you to remember that Tatarstan and Kazan will always be your home wherever you are. You are great sportsmen for Tatarstan and Russia,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President said that he signed the decree on awarding Aleksey Morozov and Danis Zaripov with “Orders of Merit for the Republic of Tatarstan” for considerable contribution to development of physical culture and sports, and outstanding sports achievements.

Director General of OAO “Tatneft”, Ak Bars Hockey Club President Shafagat Takhautdinov, in his turn, thanked Tatarstan President for his appreciation of sports achievements of Ak Bars players.

“Thank you for your high appraisal of our contribution to hockey, sports, and outstanding sports achievements,” Aleksey Morozov said. “It is Kazan where we became real sportsmen and won our golden medals,” he continued.

Addressing Rustam Minnikhanov, Aleksey Morozov said that they always felt his support. Hockey players presented their hockey sticks and photos to Tatarstan President. “We will keep being proud of you. I think, that every time when we hear your names we will say that you are from Tatarstan,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.