Russian ice hockey star Alex Ovechkin announced he is forming a grass-roots movement called the Putin Team to rally support for the strongman ahead of 2018 polls. Ovechkin, who plays for NHL team Washington Capitals and captains the Russian national team, made the announcement on Instagram, saying: "Today I want to announce that I am creating a social movement called Putin Team." The player famous for his gap-toothed smile said that he came up with the idea because "I recently keep seeing the term Putin's team in Western press." "You know, I really liked this description," said Ovechkin, adding: "I have never hidden my attitude to our president -- I have always openly supported him." "I am personally ready to be part of such a team," Ovechkin wrote.

source: AFP