Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian National Olympic Committee hosted an official meeting between senior Belarusian sport officials and Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and a Qatari delegation as part of their official visit to Belarus, BelTA has learned.

The meeting was timed to coincide with the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. On behalf of Belarus the meeting was attended by NOC First Vice-President Igor Rachkovsky, Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko, Aide for Physical Training, Sport and Tourism of the Belarus President Maksim Ryzhenkov and other representatives of the sports industry.

"My colleague was in Minsk recently and he told me that Belarus pays great attention to sport. I watched the Winter Olympics and know about Belarus’ successes. Using this occasion I would like to congratulate you on your victories. I decided to come to Belarus to learn about your attitude to sports. Already at the airport I saw that the sports component is very important for your state. I can imagine how much effort you have put to organize the championship but this is very good. I am impressed," said Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

The parties reviewed the cooperation between the National Olympic Committees, the state policy in physical education and sports in Belarus, the organization of the 2014 IIHF World Championship and the prospects of cooperation between the countries in sport. The Qatari delegation will get acquainted with the sports facilities of the capital: Minsk Arena, Sportingclub shooting range, National Olympic Training Center for Equestrian Sports and Horse Breeding in the village of Ratomka. The Qatari guests will also attend Belarus vs Sweden game on 22 May.