(Reuters) - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has welcomed the recognition by Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country's doping system was not working and needed an overhaul. "WADA is encouraged by this sign of progress from the highest political levels in Russia," WADA President Craig Reedie said in a statement. "Since November 2015, the Agency, UK Anti-Doping and others have been working hard in supporting Russia's efforts to rebuild a credible anti-doping system. "This public admission by Russian President Vladimir Putin that their anti-doping system has failed is an important step in the right direction." WADA director general Olivier Niggli added that he hoped Putin's statement would allow the Russian National Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) to follow the roadmap set out for it to return to compliance with the WADA code.

Source: The Star March 02, 2017 04:08 UTC