News & Events in Belarus

Following the established tradition, a new sport year begins in Belarus with the unique competition. For the twelfth time Minsk has welcomed participants and fans of the Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament. “These competitions have already become kind of a hallmark of Belarus. They have become widely popular in many countries. They have become an unofficial world ice hockey championship for amateur teams,” noted Alexander Lukashenko.

The current tournament has gathered teams from Belarus, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Slovakia, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden. “None of the teams is a novice. They have already tried themselves out on the ice in Minsk. These teams comprise famous players that used to shine during competitions of the highest caliber. We are very pleased to once again welcome them,” said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko mentioned the serious sport component, the spirit of a true fight and the continuity between professional sport and the popular variety as characterizing traits of the Belarusian tournament. “The main purpose of these amateur games is to primarily bolster friendly relations between the participating states. It is said that sport is the best form of people's diplomacy!” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.

“All of us are united in sincere love for this kind of sport, the desire to develop the best qualities that this sport possesses such as manliness, tenacity, and sense of purpose,” noted the President.

The fact that no one loses is another remarkable trait of the Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament: both participants and fans win.

 Alexander Lukashenko said he was confident that the current tournament will become a bright and captivating show as well as a school for hundreds of young athletes. The head of state wished a Happy New Year and a Happy Christmas to participants of the tournament and the fans. The President wished joyous emotions to all the spectators. He also wished successful, honest, and productive games to the teams. “May the strongest one win!” added Alexander Lukashenko. In conclusion the head of state declared the tournament open.

The 12^th Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament is scheduled to take place on 4-7 January.

On 7 January the two second-placed teams will play in the bronze-medal match. The first-placed teams will advance to the gold-medal game. Both matches will take place in Chizhovka Arena.

The Belarus president’s team is an eight-time winner of the Christmas international tournament (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014). Team Russia is a three-time champion (2007, 2011 and 2015).

Following the established tradition the tournament has been organized by the Belarus President Sports Club, the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation (BIHF), the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry, and the Minsk city administration.