Xi, Putin watch China-Russia junior ice hockey match

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01:42

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin attended an ice hockey match in Tianjin. It was an opportunity for both countries to showcase their friendship.

After day jobs in politics, the two sports fans enjoyed the match between youth teams from China and Russia. Xi and Putin applauded along with more than 7,000 spectators in Tianjin Stadium, about 115 kilometers from Beijing.

The two leaders encouraged the players to keep practicing and strengthen their friendship.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin watch an ice hockey friendly match between Chinese and Russian youth teams in Tianjin, June 8, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

China will host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, and accordingly has made plans to promote ice sports in China. Cooperation between China and Russia in ice sports is expected to be enhanced. And Putin said the outlook for China's ice hockey is good.

"President Putin asked me my opinion on China's ice hockey. I said it is developing fast. He agreed that China is a fast learner," a player on the Chinese team said.

Xu Chengxiao, the secretary-general of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, said, "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."

"Today's competition feels really good, and I would love to play during the Winter Olympics in Beijing," Russia's team captain said.

At the invitation of Xi, Putin arrived in Beijing on Friday, starting his three-day state visit to China and will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Qingdao, east China.