Gomel hosted opening ceremony of 2nd CIS Games judo competitions

Already in the morning judokas from nine countries started to fight for the medals of the 2nd CIS Games. On the eve of the first finals, the solemn opening ceremony of the judo competitions, which will last three days, took place at the Ice Palace in Gomel.

‘We firmly believe in the heroes of sports’ – it was with this legendary song that the programme of the colourful opening ceremony of the competitions started. The stands are still full, with many watching the battles on the tatami for the whole day. Azerbaijan opened the parade of athletes to the applause of the fans, followed by Mongolia – only two athletes received individual applause. The teams of Uzbekistan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the Russian Federation were also ‘bathing’ in applause, but at the appearance of the Belarusian team, the stands could no longer be held. The degree of emotion was definitely reaching its peak. Deputy Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee Dmitry Aleinikov noted the important role of the Games for the region and the whole country, “For the first time such a continental sports forum is being held in Belarus, and it’s especially pleasant that it is Gomel that is hosting the judo competitions. There are over 12 sections and a number of clubs for practicing this sport in the region. Gomel residents became especially interested in judo after our countryman Igor Makarov claimed the gold medal at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. I’m convinced that after the 2nd CIS Games we’ll see a new wave of interest and discover new talents.”

The love for judo unites us all into one family – as stated by Chairman of the Belarusian Judo Federation Pavel Yasenovsky, who suggested penetrating into the atmosphere of a real sports festival, “May the strongest win, but may friendship also win. I express my gratitude to all the fans for coming to root for the athletes. The 2nd CIS Games are declared open!”

In total, over three days of competitions in Gomel, over 200 judokas will be competing for 20 sets of medals.