NOC President: Belarus always stands for fair fight in world sports arenas

Belarusian athletes prove at all tournaments that, despite the unjustified pressure of international organisations, they are in good shape and ready to compete at the major competitions this season – as stated in the congratulatory message of the President of Belarus’ National Olympic Committee, Viktor Lukashenko, on International Olympic Day, the NOC press service reports

"Throughout its history, the contribution of the Olympic movement to maintaining a sustainable dialogue between people cannot be overestimated. It has no borders and nationalities, should be outside politics and is aimed exclusively at creation and unification. Unfortunately, world sport is still under the influence of the political situation today, and it is still far from the principles of fair play and at odds with the rules of the Olympic Charter. Belarus always stands for fair competition in the world sports arenas, calls on the entire world Olympic community to comply with the principles and ideals of Olympism and not to undermine these foundations. I am sure that we are all united by attention to the Olympic movement and the realisation that – without such co-ordinated work – we will not be able to raise the level of sports development in our country to the proper height, and this is the health of all Belarusian citizens and the authority of our state, its prestige," the NOC President said.

Viktor Lukashenko also said that ‘our athletes are an example of a healthy lifestyle, combative character, competitive excitement – this is their personal style and one of the many manifestations of the carefully thought-out and systematically implemented state policy’. He thanked all those involved in the Olympic movement for their tremendous work and professionalism, invaluable contribution to the promotions of sports in Belarus.