Vladimir Putin backs Krasnoyarsk's bid to host the World Winter Student Games in 2019

Putin was speaking at a meeting to host winners and medallists from the World Summer Student Games in Kazan. Kransnoyarsk is up against a Swiss region to secure the 2019 nomination. 

'One of our biggest cities - Krasnoyarsk - wants to be a host of the Winter Universiade in 2019,' he said. 'Undoubtedly, Krasnoyarsk deserves it.'

A victory would mean the development of transport and sport infrastructure, Putin said. 

'For a city located in the very heart of Siberia, the Universiade will be not only a big international event but also an extra impetus to promote winter sports which we in our country, and in Siberia in particular, are fond of so much'.

Success 'would mean a world-standard winter sports centre and will create conditions to ensure comprehensive development of the entire region', Putin said.