Russia plans to win 25 gold medals at the London Games, the country's Olympic committee president Alexander Zhukov has said.

      Russia sends 436 athletes to the Olympics to compete in 25 of 39 Olympic disciplines - 228 women and 208 men from 59 of the country's 83 regions.

      Meanwhile, the total Russian delegation, including coaches, masseurs and other specialists is 805-strong, Zhukov said.

      "Judging from the results of recent world championships, we should win the region of 25 gold medals," he added.

      After the Olympics in Beijing 2008 Russia takes the third place in the medal table in its sights, behind the United States and China, countries universally deemed uncatchable. Russian sportsmen managed to receive 73 medals (23 gold, 21 silver and 29 bronze).

      This time the Russians have to contend with Britain, which as host has the right to flood the Games with competitors. “We all know how strong the USA and China are, and finishing in the top three overall would be a good result for us. 

      That is why our main rival will be Team Great Britain,” Zhukov said.

      Team GB is entering a total of 542 athletes and setting a target of 48 medals in total.

      Summer Olympic Games 2012 will take place in London on July 27 - August 12.  

Sources: sportlook.ru naviny.by Image: dni.ru