MINSK, 15 September (BelTA) – Sport is not just a hobby for me; it's a lifestyle that I promote and follow, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with the Russian magazine Razvedchik, BelTA has learned.
“Sport is not just about competitions and medals for our country. It is a cornerstone of our national social policy, a means of promoting international relations, and a platform for people's diplomacy. More importantly, it is about the health of our people,” the head of state emphasized.
According to him, sanctions imposed by international sports organizations have placed Belarusian athletes and coaches in difficult conditions. “However, despite the pressure, we have not only preserved but are strengthening the country’s sporting potential,” the president stated, highlighting the special role of cooperation with Russia. More than 1,700 joint competitions and training camps have been held over the past three years.
Team sports have been particularly vulnerable, having lost access to their usual international calendars. Nevertheless, systematic efforts have been made, including participation in various leagues established by Russian partners.
“We are actively developing sports ties with other friendly countries. The performance of Belarusian athletes at prestigious competitions such as the BRICS Games, the Children of Asia Games, and the Games of the Future demonstrates our high potential and Belarus’ commitment to fundamental Olympic principles,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated. “Our country not only participates in international competitions but also acts as an organizer of major sporting events. We are not isolating ourselves from the global community and warmly welcome athletes from other countries.” For example, foreign participants traditionally show interest in annual tournaments in wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, and other sports held in Belarus.
Together with Russia, a new format of open competitions has been tested: the Cup of the Strongest. This year, it covers 3 winter and 15 summer sports. Since the beginning of the year, 12 such tournaments have already been held across both countries, with participants from 18 nations.
“We have introduced financial incentives for athletes and their coaches who achieve high results in international competitions that serve as alternatives to global and continental events. We are consistently implementing state support programs for sports,” the president said. “We are successfully training a sports reserve. Children’s and grassroots sports are actively developing. New and promising young talents are emerging.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko's personal attitude towards sport is well-known. Sport has always played and continues to play a significant role in the life of the head of state. "Physical activity is not just a hobby for me, it's a lifestyle that I promote and follow personally. Whenever possible, I try to get on the ice and train at least twice a week," the president shared. "I would very much like our young people to be as dedicated to their chosen activities as I am, striving to be strong and successful."
“Sport is not just about competitions and medals for our country. It is a cornerstone of our national social policy, a means of promoting international relations, and a platform for people's diplomacy. More importantly, it is about the health of our people,” the head of state emphasized.
According to him, sanctions imposed by international sports organizations have placed Belarusian athletes and coaches in difficult conditions. “However, despite the pressure, we have not only preserved but are strengthening the country’s sporting potential,” the president stated, highlighting the special role of cooperation with Russia. More than 1,700 joint competitions and training camps have been held over the past three years.
Team sports have been particularly vulnerable, having lost access to their usual international calendars. Nevertheless, systematic efforts have been made, including participation in various leagues established by Russian partners.
“We are actively developing sports ties with other friendly countries. The performance of Belarusian athletes at prestigious competitions such as the BRICS Games, the Children of Asia Games, and the Games of the Future demonstrates our high potential and Belarus’ commitment to fundamental Olympic principles,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated. “Our country not only participates in international competitions but also acts as an organizer of major sporting events. We are not isolating ourselves from the global community and warmly welcome athletes from other countries.” For example, foreign participants traditionally show interest in annual tournaments in wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, and other sports held in Belarus.
Together with Russia, a new format of open competitions has been tested: the Cup of the Strongest. This year, it covers 3 winter and 15 summer sports. Since the beginning of the year, 12 such tournaments have already been held across both countries, with participants from 18 nations.
“We have introduced financial incentives for athletes and their coaches who achieve high results in international competitions that serve as alternatives to global and continental events. We are consistently implementing state support programs for sports,” the president said. “We are successfully training a sports reserve. Children’s and grassroots sports are actively developing. New and promising young talents are emerging.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko's personal attitude towards sport is well-known. Sport has always played and continues to play a significant role in the life of the head of state. "Physical activity is not just a hobby for me, it's a lifestyle that I promote and follow personally. Whenever possible, I try to get on the ice and train at least twice a week," the president shared. "I would very much like our young people to be as dedicated to their chosen activities as I am, striving to be strong and successful."
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