Press releases

MINSK, 31 March (BelTA) – The capital of the 2^nd European Games can be named at the 45^th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) which is due to take place in Minsk on 20-22 October 2016, First Vice President of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee Maxim Ryzhenkov said in a TV show on 31 March, BelTA informs.

“We are confident that if Belarus announced its readiness to host these large-scale competitions, the country would be granted such a right. The only issue that makes us take a cautious mind is the financial one,” said Maxim Ryzhenkov.

The 1^st European Games were held in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2015.

According to Maxim Ryzhenkov, one of the most urgent issues the modern professional sport faces is the fight against doping. “The IOC commitment to the idea of the drug-free sport gives rise to no doubts. On the other hand, however, the professional sport means big money, and certain circles take advantage of an opportunity to advance their interests. Every medal at the Games is of highest importance. As for strengthening the control over doping drugs in Belarus, special attention has always been paid to the matter. However, the situation with the prohibition of meldonium which is available in any drugstore raises concerns. No one can explain us its harm to the athlete’s health. Yet, this pharmaceutical was banned on 1 January 2016. On 21 April the National Olympic Committee of Belarus will hold a special conference to consider legal aspects of the anti-doping fight,” said Maxim Ryzhenkov.