Putin extols 'hockey diplomacy', falls on ice

Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin praised "hockey diplomacy" as he scored nine goals in a game with his allies and Russian stars but fell on his face after the match.

"It brings people closer," Putin told reporters during the hockey match, in footage broadcast on television Sunday evening.

"This always helps." Wearing his traditional No. 11 jersey, the Russian president on Friday took to the ice for an exhibition game at the Bolshoi Ice Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

The sports-mad 66-year-old leader, who has done a lot to promote a healthy lifestyle in Russia, said hockey was outside of politics and helped foster ties between statesmen.

In the past, the Kremlin chief took to the ice with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and often plays with Belarusian hockey-crazed strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

Putin said he could not even stand on ice several years ago and learned to skate by clutching a chair.

Skating alongside Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian hockey stars such as ..