Opinions & Interviews
Belarus’ deputy sports minister: IOC made its move; now some federations must follow suit
Aleksandr Baraulia. An archive photo
The International Olympic Committee has lifted its recommendations regarding restrictions on Belarusian athletes. Undoubtedly, this long-awaited decision came as excellent news, especially ahead of Physical Education and Sports Workers Day, which is traditionally celebrated in Belarus in mid-May. However, the IOC’s decision to remove sanctions does not yet mean their removal by international sports federations. This is how the interview of Belarusian Deputy Sports Minister Aleksandr Baraulia to BelTA commenced.
The IOC delighted Belarusian athletes and fans, and then international federations for modern pentathlon, boxing, wrestling, volleyball followed suit... But how many international structures still haven’t lifted their contrived sanctions?
Yes, the process has, as they say, gained momentum, which cannot but please. But unfortunately, there is still no good news from several team sport federations, particularly ice hockey, which is so beloved in Belarus. FIBA recently only allowed youth basketball teams to compete in 3x3 international tournaments. The same applies to handball - only juniors are being allowed back for now. There’s also been no word from the athletics and biathlon federations... In short, there are still plenty of those in no hurry to lift the bans.
In this regard, a reasonable question arises: will Belarusian sports officials take active steps to accelerate the process of returning to the international arena?
These efforts have never ceased, from the very beginning of these restrictions, all Belarusian sports federations have been constantly working in this direction. The main thing is for the international structures to meet us halfway more quickly.
In recent years, Russians have faced even greater restrictions. Having found themselves in isolation, athletes from our two friendly countries have grown even closer and have begun holding joint competitions in many sports. A prime example is the Strongest Athletes Cup. We remember the great interest generated by the competitions between Belarusian and Russian biathletes in Raubichi, and the speed skaters on the Minsk Arena ice. What awaits sports fans in the summer season?
Back in 2022, together with our Russian friends, we began taking steps to minimize the consequences of the imposed restrictions. The sports ministries of Belarus and Russia approved joint plans and competition calendars to allow athletes from both countries to compete in tournaments and maintain their form. The Strongest Athletes Cup is one of our main joint projects. Moreover, it’s not only Belarusians and Russians who take part. We invite athletes from all countries, and many gladly come to these tournaments. Let me emphasize that this practice will continue, despite the lifting of international sanctions. In some sports, these competitions may continue in a youth format; in others, they will carry on at the adult level. In any case, this will be preserved, especially now that the bans on holding international competitions on Belarusian territory have been lifted. In the upcoming summer season the Strongest Athletes Fencing Cup will kick off in Minsk at the end of May. In total, tournaments will be held in 15 summer sports, seven of which will be hosted by Belarus.
Let’s turn back to winter. At the Olympics in Italy, none of the Belarusian team managed to reach the podium. What is the reason for this?
There are many different factors at play here. One of the main ones is the lack of international competition experience for our athletes. For example, the International Ski Federation only allowed Belarusians to compete in qualifying tournaments in December, while their foreign colleagues had already been hard at work preparing for the Olympic Games. After the Olympics concluded, the coaches, the athletes themselves, the Sports Ministry, and the National Olympic Committee analyzed the situation and drew certain conclusions in order to avoid mistakes in training going forward.
How are things progressing with the new Olympic cycle, leading up to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles?
We are taking this matter very seriously. Full-scale preparation is already underway. A comprehensive plan has recently been approved, taking into account all the nuances of the training process, participation in qualifying competitions, and identifying those responsible for each specific area of work. With the lifting of restrictions, Belarusian athletes will gradually return to international sports.
Summer is already in full swing. That means after their “winter hibernation”, Belarusians will be returning to sports facilities. Is there plenty of room for the many adherents of a healthy lifestyle to stretch their legs, and how many are there in our country?
Certainly, sports enthusiasts have plenty of places to go and things to do. Right now, traditionally ahead of Athlete’s Day, numerous mass sports events are held nationwide. Belarus has more than 9,000 sports grounds and fields where healthy lifestyle enthusiasts can exercise. By the way, according to statistics, over 2.7 million Belarusians actively engage in physical education and sports, and I think that number will only grow in the future.
What major international events await Belarusian athletes in the upcoming summer season? Are our athletes ready to compete for the highest honors? Our taekwondo athletes recently set an example by winning medals at the 2026 European Taekwondo Championships in Munich...
Belarusian athletes always strive to delight their fans with high-level results - some succeed better at this than others, while others may still lack the necessary skill. But in any case, our athletes are determined to reach sporting heights. There will be many exciting competitions this season. For example, the European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics will take place in Varna, Bulgaria on 27-31 May, where Belarusian gymnasts are among the main favorites. Additionally, world and European championships will be held in archery, fencing, rowing, modern pentathlon, and other sports. We hope that fans will have many reasons to feel proud of Belarusian athletes.
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