Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted and presented the Order of Friendship to Paralympic athlete Ivan Golubkov at a ceremony in the Kremlin on 19/3.

As the athlete uses a wheelchair, Mr. Putin knelt on one knee to pin the medal on him. A video of the moment quickly spread on social media, drawing public attention.

The moment President Putin presented the medal to Paralympic athlete Ivan Golubkov. Video: TASS

Golubkov won three gold medals at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy from 6-15/3. He had previously won at past games in Sochi and Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The 2026 winter Paralympic Games in Italy marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in 12 years, following sanctions, that the Russian Paralympic delegation was permitted to compete under the country's national flag and anthem.

Despite only 6 athletes receiving invitations to participate, they ranked third overall in gold medals, behind China with 15 medals and the United States with 13 medals.

President Vladimir Putin kneels on one knee to present a medal to athlete Ivan Golubkov at the Kremlin on 19/3. Photo: AP

“I sincerely congratulate you, our national team, for your extraordinary performance at the 2026 winter Paralympic Games,” Mr. Putin said.

The Russian President thanked the athletes for their "persistent efforts," emphasizing that their presence wrote one of the glorious pages in global Paralympic sports history.

Thanh Tam (According to TASS, Darakchi, ANI)