Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe presented an Akita dog to Russia’s Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. Zagitova, 16, who won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games, has said that she loves Akitas. /VCG Photo

The puppy was chosen by Zagitova from a batch of dogs offered by Japan. She plans to name it Masaru, meaning victory and winning in Japanese, according to the Japan Times. “I have been looking forward to today. I am happy to be given such a wonderful present,” she said at the presentation ceremony. /VCG Photo

“We hope Masaru will be the symbol of expanding ties between Japan and Russia, Takashi Endo, president of a preservation group, said as the dog was handed over to Zagitova. /VCG Photo

Abe attended the St Petersburg Economic Forum held May 24-26 and held talks with President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia. /VCG Photo