Gennady Shipulin, the acclaimed coach of Russia was born and educated in the city of Belogorod and he took charge of the men's national team in 1997. Since his appointment the Russian men’s team, known for their fearless defense, has been regularly attacking top spots at most of the sport's elite competitions.

Following their two second places at the World League in 1998 and 2000, Chipouline's squad finally pulled of a victory at this prestigious event in 2002, humbling Brazil at home in a spirited final. But it was the 1999 World Cup triumph which really set the stage for Shipulin and his men. Ever since they have been consistently in contention for gold.

Under Shipulin’s leadership, Russia also won a string of silver medals – at the 1999 European Championship, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and at the 2002 World Championship in Argentina, where Brazil exacted revenge for their defeat at the World League just weeks before.

Shipulin began his coaching career with a Russian Division One club Agrarnik in 1987. He also led the Russian club of Belogorie to two Russian Championship victories.