MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – Belarus is among the leading countries in hockey development, Education and Development Manager at the European Hockey Federation (EHF) Norman Hughes said as he met with First Deputy Sport and Tourism Minister Alexander Gagiyev on 5 May, BelTA has learned.
According to Norman Hughes, Belarus has a well-developed infrastructure for the sport. “In Europe there are 43 national federations. The European Hockey Federation pays increased attention to six of them as the countries that show significant development of hockey. Belarus is in this shortlist of leaders. You have great hockey stadiums in Baranovichi and Smolevichi, Minsk,” said Norman Hughes.
The plans of the European Hockey Federation together with the Belarusian Hockey Federation are to double the number of people taking up this sport in Belarus within the next four years. The EHF will attach special attention to training the rising generation, supplying hockey schools with necessary sport equipment. Norman Hughes also said that in 2017 and 2018 there are plans to hold a big tournament in Belarus. The competitions will be held in the stadiums of 2-3 cities.
First Deputy Sport and Tourism Minister Alexander Gagiyev emphasized the achievements of the Belarusian hockey teams and assured Norman Hughes in a high-level organization of any EHF tournament. “Belarus hosted the EuroHockey Indoor Championship in 2016. We are ready to continue hosting world and European championships at our stadiums,” noted Alexander Gagiyev.
EHF Education and Development Manager Norman Hughes and head coach of the Belarusian women's national hockey team Herman Kruis are taking part in advanced training for Belarusian and Lithuanian coaches that work with youth and junior teams.
