Newly elected IOC president keen to promote noble Olympic ideals - Putin

MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a statement on the Kremlin website said on Thursday.

"The results of the vote convincingly attest to your high standing in the world of sports and the recognition of your outstanding personal accomplishments. I am certain your unique experience and interest in really promoting the noble Olympic ideals will help succeed in such a demanding job," Putin said in his congratulatory telegram.

He wished the newly elected IOC chief "wellbeing and a robust - truly athletic - health," the telegram said.