Several top Russian athletes took part in the Victory Day parade on May 9 in Moscow.
The Russian media report.
According to the online sports portal "Championat", gymnast Nikita Nagornyj was part of the military contingent on Red Square.
The 25-year-old Tokyo Olympic champion marched in a red beret with a red star as part of the "Junarmija" children and youth military education organization.
"I want to call my grandmother and grandfather now," Nagornyj told the Russian news agency TASS after the parade.
"When I told them that I would take part in the Victory Parade and lead the 'Junarmiya', they burst into tears."
Alexander Davydov
sports editor.
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The successful gymnast has been a member of the organization since 2020, which was created on the initiative of the Russian Defense Minister and is supported by President Vladimir Putin.
The two Olympic wrestling champions, Roman Vlasov and Mussa Jewlojew, were also at the celebrations in Moscow.
"Today is the big day, the celebration of victory," Vlasov told Russian media.
“We are honored to attend this event and see everything first hand.
I feel proud, joy and happiness that we saw this here today.”
Sunday's parade in Red Square marked the 77th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 1945. During the celebrations, Putin once again justified the war in Ukraine.
The Russian President explained that Russian troops in Ukraine were fighting against "neo-Nazis" and for Russia's security.