MINSK, 14 February (BelTA) – The popularity of winter sports amongst young people increases thanks to well-developed sports infrastructure, Belarus' Deputy Education Minister Viktor Yakzhik said at Minsk National Airport on 13 February as the Belarusian sports delegation was welcomed back from the 28th Winter Universiade in Almaty, BelTA has learned.
Coming back home were coaches and two-time Universiade champion in speed skating Marina Zuyeva, who claimed gold medals in the women's 3000m and 5000m events. The deputy minister hailed the significant contribution of this sport in the overall success of the Belarusian team.
“The Belarusian national student team bagged three gold medals to place ninth in the overall standings. This is notable success for the Belarusian athletes. We are happy for the results of our speed skating athletes, especially taking into account the fact that Minsk Arena will host the WUC Speed Skating 2018. We have the corresponding agreement with the International University Sports Federation. I would like to note that winter sports such as speed skating and short track are popular with the youth, which is promoted by well-developed infrastructure, ice arenas that operate in Belarus,” Viktor Yakzhik said.
Belarus won six medals to place ninth at the 28th Winter Universiade in Almaty. Apart from Marina Zuyeva's two gold medals, three more awards (gold, silver and bronze) were collected by Alpine skier Mariya Shkanova. One more silver was taken by Artyom Bashlakov in the Aerials event.
Photo by Gennady Zhinkov
