Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Belarus is proud to host Match Europe v USA

BREST, 6 September (BelTA) - Belarus is proud of being given the opportunity to host The Match Europe v USA, Belarusian head of state Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media in Brest on 6 September, BelTA has learned. 

“As for athletics, this is even higher in level that the European Games,” the head of state said.

He added that he had asked IAAF President Sebastian Coe before to grant Belarus with the right to host the competitions. “I asked him and then thought that they would not allow us due to such politization. But we have been granted the right to host the match. Not every country receives such an honor. Any country is ready to host The Match Europe v USA. We are proud to have such an opportunity,” the president said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that he wanted this match to take place in Belarus. “Athletics has always been well-developed here. We have good traditions and of course I would like to see athletics develop further. This match will surely add momentum to its development,” the president said.

The Match Europe v USA is due to take place at Minsk Dinamo Stadium on 9-10 September. The competitions will include hammer throw, javelin throw, discus throw, 100 meters, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 200 meters, 400 meters, 400m hurdles, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters, 3,000 meters steeplechase, 4x100 meters relay, mixed relay (200-200-400-800 meters), shot put, triple jump, high jump, long jump, pole vault.

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