08.03 At Top of Medal Table, More Paralympic Success Awaits Russia - Minister

SOCHI, March 8 (R-Sport) – After sweeping to the top of the Sochi Paralympic medal table on the first day of competition, yet more success still awaits host nation Russia, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko told R-Sport on Saturday.

Russia won four gold medals in biathlon on the first day of competition to streak past Germany and take top spot, raising the possibility Russia could end the Paralympics at the most successful nation, matching its achievement at last month’s Olympics.

The host nation also has six silver and four bronze medals to its name from biathlon and Alpine skiing events.

“Of course, we expected such a successful performance. Our team is very well prepared,” Mutko said.

“There are very many races ahead of us, so we’re expecting more medals. Our athletes will please us yet further.”

Russian Paralympic Committee president Vladimir Lukin was also full of praise for his athletes.

“Some good impressions from the first day of the Paralympics,” he told R-Sport. “The competitions are amazing, the mountains are beautiful, there are medals and the guys are happy.”

Several Russian medalists from the first day of competition, including biathlete Roman Petushkov, who won the host nation's first gold medal, have already received public statements of thanks from President Vladimir Putin.