Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander...

The former president of Russia"s Olympic Committee, Leonid Tyagachev, resigned on March 3 after strong condemnation of Russia"s poor showing at this year"s Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Russia ended a disappointing 11th place in the overall medals table, winning three golds, five silvers and seven bronzes. The southern Russian town of Sochi will host the next Winter Games in 2014.

Tyagachev earlier suggested that a deputy prime minister might become the Olympic committee"s new president and Zhukov, 53, is one of the most likely candidates.

The election of the committee"s president is scheduled for May 20, but the deadline for applications is April 19. The committee"s first vice president Igor Kazikov will serve as acting president until the committee convenes on May 20.

MOSCOW, April 6 (RIA Novosti)