You're reading: Putin hopes to visit London Olympics to watch judo

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin says he plans to come to London Olympics in private capacity and watch the judo competition.

 Putin said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will lead the Russian official delegation at the games.

Putin, a judo black belt holder, has often been filmed practicing the sport and even recorded an instructional judo DVD.

The London Olympics take place from July 27 to Aug. 12.