Lukashenko presented the President’s Cup to Metallurg Zhlobin ice hockey players
The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, presented the President’s Cup to Zhlobin’s Metallurg ice hockey players. The country’s reigning champions defeated the local Neman squad in Grodno in the seventh final match of the Belarusian Extraleague of 2022/23 season – 1:0.
“These guys gave us minutes, hours and days of great hockey,” the Head of State said, speaking about ice hockey players. His words were supported by the applause of the fans. “A lot will be written and said about this series, about today’s match. It was unexpected, incredible for me. I saw two teams on the ice: young, provocative, aspiring to the future, and already solid, mature, in some places very mature, the Metallurg team and the Neman squad.”
The Head of State addressed the Neman hockey players, “I think that some of you felt down in vain. It’s a good team. And if you preserve it, these guys have a great future. They’ll bring a lot of happiness. I will say a huge thank you. You really stood the pattern of the game from the first to the last minute. You fulfilled the task of your coaches, playing clearly and on the spot. But one second, or maybe a fraction of a second, was not enough for this wonderful performance to continue. Sport is sport, that it’s.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko summarised, “Two equal, beautiful teams have been today on this arena. You don’t eat bread for nothing. You worked it out today from the first to the last second. And I think no one will throw a stone at you. But first of all, as always, I want to thank those who stand behind you, who help you: the leaders of the regions. I’m very happy about the return of the Grodno squad to big ice hockey. I am also glad that Metallurg has confirmed its toughness. Thanks a lot!” the President told the athletes, adding before the ceremony, “You will remember these moments for the rest of your life. And not only you – your family and friends, and most importantly your children. They will learn from you about life, not only how to play hockey.”
The Head of State arrived in Grodno with his ice hockey team, “These guys, just like you fought, pulled out many games on their teeth, suffered. These are real ice hockey players. Their ‘big hockey’ ended, they came to an even bigger hockey: amateur. They have won the Belarus Championship this year and decided to come after watching hockey and congratulate you on this great performance. Grodno, thank you very much!”
The President of Belarus highlighted the culture of cheering in the stands, “You, Grodno residents, surprised me today. I thought you were so aggressive, very angry, in an incomprehensible mood. However, I saw the proper representatives of the western region, who let the residents of Gomel and Zhlobin to cheer for their teams, and they themselves shouted loudly. Well done!”
