Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the critics of his country's Universiade world student games medal tally and told them to take Viagra and see the beautiful side of life.
According to the Courier Mail, several editorials in Russia's sports and opposition media have ridiculed the country's achievement, saying the medal haul was made possible by fielding elite professional athletes in the amateur competition.
The report said that the Russian team won six times more gold medals than any other nation at the biennial Universiade world student games that wrapped up on Wednesday in Russia's Volga city of Kazan.
Putin said that when there were such great victories, people started lamenting that something was not right, advising them to play sport and if they had health problems, to go to the doctor or take Viagra.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app