Putin, Seagal urge young Russians to get fit
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with US actor Steven Seagal during the Mixed fight Championship in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi on August 11, 2012.
Vladmir Putin brought his friend Steven Seagal (yes, that Steven Seagal) to Moscow Wednesday to help promote physical fitness among young Russians.
Putin was discussing the possibility of reinstating the GTO system, a Soviet program of fitness designed to ready young people for service in the Red Army, said Reuters.
"I think it would be quite appropriate to recall the positive experience of past decades when the so-called GTO, Ready for Labour and Defence, was in use in our country," Putin said, reported UPI.
"The revival of this system — in a new, modern format — could bring major benefits."
Both Putin and Seagal toured a newly-built martial arts training center in Moscow, said News 24.
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Putin is considered an avid athlete and sportsman.
He also practiced judo for many years after his career in the KGB.
Putin basically said the children of Russia are becoming sickly and weaklings.
"Children should become strong, they should be healthy, love sports and have an opportunity to practice them, should know how to defend themselves, their loved ones, their family," Putin said, reported News 24.
The new fitness standards may be brought nationwide by 2016.