Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
JUDO BLACK BELT Vladimir Putin has promised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he’ll try some yoga poses, despite feeling daunted by the challenge.
“I’ve tried so many things, but I haven’t tried yoga, though it is certainly appealing,” the Russian president told Modi during talks in the Russian city of Ufa.
I’ll see what I am able to do based on my physical aptitude. When we see real yogi, it seems impossible to reach such perfection, and that’s what stops people.
Modi is a well-known yoga fanatic, and recently led 35,000 people in performing poses like the half camel and cobra in a mass outdoor yoga session on International Yoga Day.
He is in Russia for the BRICS summit of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which started today.
The prime minister, who says yoga helps him work long hours, thanked Putin for sponsoring the International Yoga Day in Russia, adding that the activity should inspire everyone who wants to keep a healthy way of life.
Making a difference A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
Putin, who has cultivated a strongman image, is a long-time judo enthusiast, enjoys hockey and has famously been photographed bare-chested on horseback as well as swimming the butterfly in a Siberian river.
Contains reporting by AFP.
COMMENTS (40)