Ildar Khalikov introduces Vladimir Leonov to staff of Tatarstan Ministry of Sport

On September 22, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov introduced new Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Vladimir Leonov to the staff and noted that the ministry’s priority task is still development of mass sports in the republic.

Ildar Khalikov told about changes in personnel, ex-minister Rafis Burganov is transferring to another job at Tatarstan State Council, and Vladimir Leonov, who headed Universiade Executive Office till 2013, has been appointed Tatarstan Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport.

On behalf of Tatarstan President Ildar Khalikov thanked Rafis Burganov for his work. “The period of his work at the ministry was not long but very busy,” he added.

Ildar Khalikov thanked Rafis Burganov and ministry’s staff for successful holding of Universiade and noted that 800 different sports events are held in the republic every year.

Ildar Khalikov also said that Rafis Burganov was one of initiators of the programme of construction of sports grounds in the republic. According to the Prime Minister, Rafis Burganov will hold the position of one of the most important committees at Tatarstan State Council. Ildar Khalikov wished Rafis Burganov good luck in his new work.

Rafis Burganov, in his turn, thanked Tatarstan President, Prime Minister and his colleagues.

Introducing the new minister, Rafis Burganov said: “We have worked with Vladimir Leonov hand in hand for a long time and I am sure that he will successfully continue our work.”

“The ministry’s priority task is still development of mass sports in the republic. I am sure that the ministry will cope with it under the leadership of Vladimir Leonov,” Ildar Khalikov said.

Ildar Khalikov read out Tatarstan President’s order about assignment of Vladimir Leonov to the position of the Minister of Sport.

“It is a great privilege for me to be appointed to this position, be at the head of this ministry, and deal with development of physical culture and sport. I am sure that our joint experience will help us solving current and future problems,” Vladimir Leonov said.