Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Friday and was awarded China's first-ever Friendship Medal by his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. They also travelled together to the northern port city of Tianjin to watch a youth ice hockey match between China and Russia.

An enormous roar, flags waving, anthems sounding loud throughout the stadium with more than 7,000 spectators.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin enjoyed an ice hockey match between youth teams from the two countries in north China's port city of Tianjin. Both leaders jointly dropped the puck to kick off the match. Calling the exciting match a demonstration of friendship between the Chinese and Russian teenagers, Xi told Putin that China is willing to work with Russia on exchange and cooperation in sports such as ice hockey. Both sides believe it is a real and rare opportunity to support the sport.

XU CHENGXIANG, SECRETARY GENERAL CHINESE ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION "This is really an inspiring event for the sport of ice hockey, a great support for the sport's development, its spreading popularity among young people, and our preparation for the Winter Olympic Games."

Putin said the performances of the two teams were excellent. The Russian team said they are looking forward to coming back for the Winter Olympics within four years.

CAPTAIN OF RUSSIAN YOUTH TEAM "Today's competition feels really good, and I would love to play during the Winter Olympics in Beijing."

Before the match, the two leaders encouraged both teams to improve their skills and become good friends and partners through exchanges. The teams presented jerseys to Xi and Putin.

Xi and Putin rode a high-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin to attend the match. On the train, the two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on railways and cargo transport. Putin is on a state visit to China. He is due to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao over the weekend. Natasha Hussain, CGTN.