Aleksandr Maseikov. File photo
MINSK, 8 August (BelTA) – Our athletes are growing stronger despite the fact they are banned from international competitions, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health, Physical Culture, Family and Youth Policy of the House of Representatives, Olympic champion in canoeing Aleksandr Maseikov told BelTA.
“The 2nd CIS Games are very important. First, they are held in almost all regions of our country. Secondly, they mostly feature young athletes, what I think is important. Young athletes must grow, they must have sports experience and hone their skills,” Aleksandr Maseikov noted. “Our opponents are trying to create problems for us, to put it mildly, But what we see is the reverse process: we are improving, promoting our own events: CIS Games, BRICS Games, Friendship Games in the Russian Federation. We are sovereign states and we have our own capabilities, potential, sports arenas, world-class coaches and athletes. If they do not want to see us there, we will hold our competitions and not wait for any handouts.”
According to him, in the face of pressure and sanctions, athletes are mobilizing. “They are trying to remove our athletes from competitions. They set out certain conditions for them to return: without the anthem, emblem, flag. Almost all international principles have been violated. Our opponents resort to any means, no matter what the rules,” Aleksandr Maseikov noted. “As an athlete myself, I will say this: the more difficult the conditions they create for our athletes, the stronger they become. Sooner or later, I hope, it will all end and we will be back on the international sports arena,” the Olympic champion said.
