Putin seeks fight against doping, sports gambling

Moscow: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has urged the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) to close ranks to curb doping, illegal sweepstake enterprises and fans` aggressive behaviour.

Addressing the General Assembly of the ANOC Friday, Putin said: "We need to jointly fight such negative manifestations like doping and proliferation of the banned drugs, sport results manipulation and illegal totalisers," Xinhua reported. "And, of course, we need to fight against aggressive behaviour of those who allegedly likes sports," he added. Putin, who is also Russia`s president-elect, said the Russian government plans to involve no less than 40 percent of the country`s population into sports. He stressed at the significance of the Olympic movement which "promotes tolerance and friendship, principles of fair play and mutual respect." "This is a force capable to render out world more humane, more just, more open," Putin said. President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge was also present at the assembly. IANS