MINSK, 6 February (BelTA) – Belarus is a strong sports nation, and Belarusian athletes show good results in any conditions, Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said at the board meeting of the Sport and Tourism Ministry to sum up the results for the year 2024 and tasks for 2025, BelTA learned. 

According to Sergei Kovalchuk, the past year was not an easy one. At the same time there is a positive momentum in the relations between Belarusian and international sports organizations and federations. In particular, the IOC recognized the results of the recent General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee and gave the NOC access to all the Olympic solidarity programs. Representatives of 37 sports currently have access to international competitions. 

“The main event of 2024 was the Olympic Games in Paris where Belarus had a small team that still won four medals. The Paralympians performed well, with Ihar Boky once again making unique achievements. Our athletes also represented the country well at the BRICS Games in Kazan. We have shown the world that the Republic of Belarus is a strong sports nation, and our athletes are able to show high results on the world stage in any conditions and in almost all disciplines. Yes, we are still in a neutral status, although in some sports, such as mini-football and beach soccer, Belarusians perform well with national symbols,” Sergei Kovalchuk noted. 

The minister emphasized the importance of cooperation with Russia and other friendly countries. In 2024, the ministry participated in the SCO and BRICS events and actively developed cooperation with Asian countries, especially China. “We have never had such good relations with the Russian Federation as we have today in our history, including in sport. It is important that we see the interest of other states to participate in our joint competitions. Raubichi will host Biathlon Cup next week. A similar event for speed skaters will take place at the end of the month. On 15 and 16 February, we will have a joint board meeting with the Ministry of Sports of Russia to discuss the summer period, including the spartakiad of the strongest athletes.”

According to Sergei Kovalchuk, Belarus has created all the conditions for sports. From 40 to 50 kinds of sports are developed in every region, the number of mass sports events increased last year, and the work on the development of the relevant infrastructure was continued. “We need to keep going our own way, build a system from children’s sports to elite sports and develop cooperation with friendly countries. In the summer, we will participate in the 3rd CIS Games in Azerbaijan, where many athletes will have the opportunity to show themselves and demonstrate their skills,” the minister added. “The year 2025 will mark 100 years since the establishment of physical education and sports management bodies and 30 years of our ministry. Many domestic competitions will be timed to coincide with the jubilee dates”.