Russia is targeting 25 gold medals at the London Olympics, the country's Olympic committee president Alexander Zhukov said Tuesday, July 10.

According to RIA Novosti, Russia, competing in 25 of 39 Olympic disciplines, has third place in the medal table in its sights, behind the United States and China, countries universally deemed uncatchable.

It is sending 436 athletes to Games, which start July 27.

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

Twenty-three golds were enough to take third place at Beijing 2008, but this time the Russians have to contend with Britain, which as host has the right to flood the Games with competitors.

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