Sergei Kovalchuk
MINSK, 27 March (BelTA) - Victories by Belarusian athletes at any international competitions boost the country’s authority and prestige in the world, Belarus’ Sports Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said as he awarded champions and medalists of the Paralympics and Deaflympics on 27 March, BelTA has learned.
The minister particularly highlighted the excellent performance of Belarusian skier Raman Svirydzenka, who won gold and silver at the recent XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Italy. “After the 21-year-old athlete from Novopolotsk won at the ski stadium in Tesero, the Belarusian anthem was played, something that had not happened at the major competitions due to restrictions since 2021,” Sergei Kovalchuk emphasized. He also noted that Belarus was represented by only four athletes, besides Raman Svirydzenka, those were skiers Lidziya Loban, Valiantsina Biryla, and Darya Fedzkovich. “Nevertheless, even with such a small team, Belarus took 17th place in the medal standings, and more than 600 athletes from 55 countries were competing for awards,” the minister said. He also read out greetings to the Paralympic Committee from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Secretary General of the Paralympic Committee Nikolai Shudeiko noted that the achievements would not have been possible without enormous support from the state and said that the Paralympians do not intend to rest on their laurels and will strive for new sporting heights for the good of their homeland.
Honorary certificates, letters of gratitude, and valuable gifts from the Sports Ministry were also received by Belarusian athletes and coaches who took part in the XXV Deaflympic Games in Tokyo. In the Japanese capital, Belarusians won 12 medals. Gold was brought home by Dziyana Prudnikava and Aksana Petrushenka. Silver and bronze medals went to Hanna Suravets, Raman Hralko, Aliaksandr Maistrenka, Dziyana Barsukova, Aliaksandr Charniak, Hiavorh Adamian, and Maryia Rudzko.
“You have overcome numerous difficulties and shown that strength of spirit and the desire to win can overcome any obstacles. Your successes at the Deaflympics are not only personal achievements but also a source of pride for all of Belarus,” Sergei Kovalchuk emphasized.
Photos by Ramil Nasibulin
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