Sergei Kovalchuk. An archive photo
MINSK, 20 June (BelTA) – Despite sanctions imposed by international structures, Belarusian athletes continue moving forward, Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on 20 June, BelTA has learned.
Sergei Kovalchuk noted the special role of Russian colleagues, who found themselves in an even more difficult situation: “In recent years, sports cooperation between the two kin countries has significantly strengthened. Since 2022, Belarusians and Russians have held more than 1,700 joint sport events at the venues of both countries. The Best Athletes Cup events premiered this winter. The Best Athletes Cup summer edition has recently kicked off. Tournaments will be held in 15 sports, and will feature not only Belarusians and Russians, but also representatives of other countries.”
This week Belarusians have finally performed with their national symbols at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest, the sport and tourism minister stressed. He added that Russian judokas performed well in the Hungarian capital – they won three gold and two silver medals.
Sergei Kovalchuk also expressed hope that Kirsty Coventry, the president-elect of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will rely on the provisions of the Olympic Charter, and not succumb to pressure from outside: “We hope that common sense will prevail and Belarusian and Russian athletes will fully return to the international arena and will perform with their national flags and anthems. We expect positive developments.”
Russian Minister of Sports and Head of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev said: “In January 2025 the Russian Olympic Committee notified the IOC of the removal of all legal obstacles to the restoration of recognition. We expect substantive consideration of the matter after Kirsty Coventry takes office on 24 June. At the very least, the IOC’s decision of 2023 on the suspension has no basis. Otherwise, we will proceed through the international courts, the claims are ready.”
Sergei Kovalchuk noted the special role of Russian colleagues, who found themselves in an even more difficult situation: “In recent years, sports cooperation between the two kin countries has significantly strengthened. Since 2022, Belarusians and Russians have held more than 1,700 joint sport events at the venues of both countries. The Best Athletes Cup events premiered this winter. The Best Athletes Cup summer edition has recently kicked off. Tournaments will be held in 15 sports, and will feature not only Belarusians and Russians, but also representatives of other countries.”
This week Belarusians have finally performed with their national symbols at the 2025 World Judo Championships in Budapest, the sport and tourism minister stressed. He added that Russian judokas performed well in the Hungarian capital – they won three gold and two silver medals.
Sergei Kovalchuk also expressed hope that Kirsty Coventry, the president-elect of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will rely on the provisions of the Olympic Charter, and not succumb to pressure from outside: “We hope that common sense will prevail and Belarusian and Russian athletes will fully return to the international arena and will perform with their national flags and anthems. We expect positive developments.”
Russian Minister of Sports and Head of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev said: “In January 2025 the Russian Olympic Committee notified the IOC of the removal of all legal obstacles to the restoration of recognition. We expect substantive consideration of the matter after Kirsty Coventry takes office on 24 June. At the very least, the IOC’s decision of 2023 on the suspension has no basis. Otherwise, we will proceed through the international courts, the claims are ready.”
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