Belarus’ Deputy PM: Commonwealth Biathlon Cup is among most important sporting events for second year in a row
The Commonwealth Biathlon Cup has been on the calendar of the most important sporting events for the second year – as stated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Igor Petrishenko, during the opening of the third stage of the international biathlon competitions
“It is a great honour for us to host the third stage of the Commonwealth Biathlon Cup here, at a world-class facility. When sanctions – that absolutely do not comply with any international rules, norms and standards – were imposed on Belarusian and Russian athletes, our sports families created conditions for training and competitions. Our traditional major competition, the Commonwealth Biathlon Cup, has been on the calendar of the most important sporting events for the second year. More than 60 athletes will compete today. In Belarus and Russia, biathlon is loved, appreciated and respected,” Mr. Petrishenko addressed all sports fans who gathered at the opening ceremony.
The Deputy Prime Minister wished the participants good mood and cheerfulness, so that they successfully pass all the competitive stages and demonstrate the highest sports level.
In turn, Pavel Rostovtsev, the Vice-President of the Russian Biathlon Union, congratulated all the spectators and participants of the competition on the new year 2024 and the coming Christmas. “For the fiftieth year, the legendary complex in Raubichi has been hosting competitions of various international levels. Today, without a doubt thanks to the well-coordinated work of hundreds of people who prepared the tracks and the facility as a whole, the necessary conditions have been created in difficult weather to hold competitions at the highest level. I wish all the spectators to enjoy an unforgettable uncompromising fair fight that will take place at the sports complex this weekend, and the athletes to show their best results. May the strongest sportsmen win,” he said.
The Chairman of the Belarusian Biathlon Federation, Andrian Tsibulsky, declared the competitions open, after which the first race of the third stage of the Cup took place. Belarus’ main sporting event of the month will be held until January 7th, and the strongest biathletes, including Olympic medal holders and winners of the World Cup stages, will take part during three competitive days.
