The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is confident in Belarus’ ability to host sporting competitions at a high level

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is confident in Belarus’ ability to host sporting competitions at a high level, noted IBU President, Anders Besseberg, as he met with First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov


The Head of the International Biathlon Union expressed his gratitude to the President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, for the offer to use the Raubichi National Olympic Training Centre in hosting international competitions at the highest level, including IBU World Cup events.

Thanks were also expressed for Belarus’ readiness to host any of the IBU tournaments in Raubichi in case an unexpected change of venue is required. A series of proposals to strengthen co-operation in the implementation of joint initiatives were described in a special address that Anders Besseberg handed over to Maxim Ryzhenkov for the President. Mr. Besseberg praised the level of biathlon competitions that have been previously held in Raubichi.

The IBU President himself attended the World and European championships hosted at the Olympic Complex and considered that, even before the renovations, the organisation of the events was conducted at the highest level. “IBU specialists that attended the 2015 IBU Youth/Junior World Championships and the ‘Legend Race — Biathlon Stars for Peace’ event praised the tournaments held in Belarus. We have no doubt that if we entrust top sporting competitions to Raubichi they will be held at the highest level possible. We expect a corresponding application from the Belarusian Biathlon Federation to host such competitions,” noted Mr. Besseberg.

Maxim Ryzhenkov assured the IBU leadership that Belarus would support any initiatives to host different tournaments, as well as the organisation of congresses and meetings of the IBU commission.