Vladimir Putin "sent flying" during bout with judo Olympic medalist, who gets kiss on head for effort
The 66-year-old took time off his summit talks on Syria to hit the judo mats and get physical with some of the country's best.
Russian president Vladimir Putin often indulges in physical public relations exercises that burnish his strong man image, the latest saw him engaging in a grueling judo session with a female Olympic medalist.
Reports said that 2016 Summer Olympics bronze medalist Natalia Kuzyutina "sent the 66-year-old Russian leader flying," Daily Mail reported. But pictures of Putin grounded on the mat have not been released, prompting many to cry Russian 'propaganda' cover up.
According to RT, Putin took time out of his relentless schedule — he was recently involved in summit talks on Syria — on Valentine's Day to don his judo outfit and put in some practice sessions with Kuzyutina at the Yug Sports Center in Sochi, South Russia.