MINSK, 24 June (BelTA) - By imposing sanctions, foreign officials have simply got rid of strong opponents in the face of Belarusian and Russian athletes, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko said at a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus on 24 June, BelTA has learned.
“The sports sector is in a difficult situation today. The International Olympic Committee, the majority of the international sports organizations have imposed various sanctions on our athletes. To put it bluntly, sports officials have simply got rid of strong opponents in the face of Russian and Belarusian athletes,” said Igor Petrishenko.
He stressed that Belarus and Russia would be able to find a decent alternative. New sports competitions in the format of leagues and cups have already been set up in cooperation in Russia in wrestling, handball, biathlon, athletics, and a number of other sports. More than 800 events in 48 sports are scheduled to take place in the two countries in 2022 and the 2022/2023 winter season. “In addition to this, in the future we will also invite athletes from the CIS, BRICS, the SCO and other friendly states to the competitions held in Belarus and Russia,” the deputy prime minister said.
Belarus is set to host the Second CIS Games on 3-15 August 2023. It is expected that about 3,000 athletes will take part in them. The program of the Games includes competitions in 20 sports in 9 cities of the country. “I am convinced that these Games will be a real festival which we know how to organize well,” Igor Petrishenko said.
