Israeli basketball coach David Blatt was awarded a government medal by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the promotion of peace and cooperation between peoples, Israeli media reported Monday.

Blatt was given the honor for “his great contribution to promoting friendship and cooperation with the Russian Federation.”

Blatt, who currently coaches for basketball powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv, coached the Russian national team between 2006 and 2012 and led the team to the European Championship in 2007 and a bronze medal at the London Olympics last year.