GRODNO, 26 May (BelTA) – A boxing tournament to commemorate Hero of the Soviet Union Lieutenant Viktor Usov has gathered athletes from nine countries and became one of the biggest competitions held in Belarus in the recent years, BelTA has learned.
The tournament has kicked off at the recreation center Prival in Grodno with the participation of athletes from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, China, Italy, Cyprus and Sweden. The competitions are held for the 47th time. It was one of the top tournaments during the Soviet times.
“Boxing is popular in the region. Over 500 young athletes train in six sports schools. Seven Grodno boxers make part of the national teams,” Grodno Oblast Vice Governor Viktor Liskovich said at the opening ceremony. He stressed that the material and technical basis for doing this sport in Grodno Oblast constantly improves. Boxing gyms have been recently opened in Grodno, Ostrovets and Slonim. One more sports hall will open its doors in Lida soon.
“The countries have sent strong teams to Grodno. For European national teams this tournament is a rehearsal ahead of the continental championship which is due in a few weeks. Asia views the tournament as a preparatory stage prior to the World Boxing Championship,” said Chairman of the Belarusian Boxing Federation Dmitry Tikhomolov. The tournament is important for the Belarusian national team as well. The athletes are just back from training camps, and the competitions will show how good they are. 2017 is a basic year in the preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games.
The finals are due on 27 May for women and on 28 May for men. Over 80 athletes are taking part in the competitions.
Photo by Leonid Shcheglov
