GOMEL, 5 August (BelTA) – The stands packed with spectators at the CIS Games prove the importance and popularity of the sporting event, President of the Judo Federation of St. Petersburg Mikhail Rakhlin told the media in Gomel on 5 August, BelTA has learned.
Speaking about the future of the CIS Games, the head of the federation stressed that it was important to develop the sporting event. “The stands are full. The most important thing is neither medals, nor athletes or points. If people come to cheer teams up, it means that it is necessary. Even for this reason we should continue doing it [organizing the CIS Games],” Mikhail Rakhlin said.
He said that the judo federation in St. Petersburg is strong. “The Russian national team won two gold medals at the previous world championship. Both athletes represented St. Petersburg,” he added.
There are also high hopes for the athletes’ good performance at the 2nd CIS Games. “We want everything,” the president of the federation said answered the question about medal plans. “It is a pleasure to perform under the flag of your country. It is always touching when the anthems are played. It is very important for young athletes,” he added.
Judo competitions of the 2nd CIS Games are taking place in Gomel on 5-7 August. Competing for medals are athletes from nine countries.
