Lukashenko voiced fundamental requirement for athletes
At today’s grand opening ceremony of the international standard swimming pool in Minsk, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko demanded results from Belarusian athletes and urged them not to blame everything on sanctions
Referring to the current situation in global sports, the Head of State stressed that this sphere has some problems, “However, I am sure that as soon as the politicians – who are too much carried away – move away from sports… Such a time will come, although no one prevents you from playing sports and winning even now. As I say, you can defeat Russians: they are open to us. Win over them, and I will not demand anything from you. Be winners in ‘bad’ Russian football, in hockey, in athletics, in any mass sports that are favourite among people. Win, and it will be a worthy result for us.”
As noted by the Belarusian leader, a victory over Russian athletes in these sports will ensure the third place in the world, and maybe the second after the United States. “It is no need to say that we have been expelled from somewhere, and it’s a trouble now. Biathletes (though not all of them) perform well, they defeat Russians, and we are grateful to them for that. What about the others, who is hindering them?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked a reasonable question.
At the same time, the Head of State noted that Belarusian athletes showed up well at the World Cup in short course swimming competitions. “It's a hope. Of course, it does not directly mean that we will win at most distances in swimming. It's very difficult, since it’s not only about physical training and so on. As you can see, not only politics, but also medicines play their role in sports today. I mean doping, for example, and other aspects. We can be ‘banned’, while others will be in the lead. Anything can happen, but it is possible to win. No one demands great victories from our athletes,” he stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed sportsmen, “Train hard! Starting from next year, you will get money, apartments and so on only if you show a result. We have money. Money will be available regardless of any difficulties. Our people do not spare this money for athletes, but we need a result. Show it! It is our non-holiday conversation with you now.”
