Rustem Khamitov has met with biathlete Anton Babikov and honoured coach of Russia Viktor Nikitin

UFA, 21 March 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Alexander Smirnov/. On March 21, the Head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov met with the member of the Russian national biathlon team, three-time European champion Anton Babikov and the honoured coach of Russia Viktor Nikitin.

At the last European Biathlon Championships in February 2016 in Tyumen Anton Babikov won two gold medals in a single mixed relay and pursuit, and became a bronze medalist in sprint. At the end of the season 2015/2016 he was recognized the best rookie of the year according to the International Biathlon Union (IBU).

“I congratulate you on the successful completion of the season. This year, you have good results. Well done! We are all proud of you, we worried about you, watched your races. We were very glad when heard at the European Championship: "Ufa native Anton Babikov wins", Rustem Khamitov said. “It is necessary to discuss now how to truly restore our biathlon school. We have Olympic champions and world champions. Bashkortostan is not the last place in terms of the world and Russian biathlon.”

Anton Babikov said he was not going to rest on his laurels.

Various options of competitions, on which Ufa could claim to host were discussed at the meeting. According to Viktor Nikitin, the capital of Bashkortostan is quite capable to hold the European Championship.