Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 31 January (BelTA) – Belarus is capable of making it into the top 25 countries overall at the winter Olympics and Paralympics in Pyeongchang, Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko said at a ministerial board meeting on 31 January, BelTA has learned.

According to the minister, the program of the preparations for the Winter Games was implemented in full. The medal hopes of the Belarusian fans are, first of all, related to biathlon and aerials. Belarus also has good prospects in speed skating. Apart from these sports, Belarus will also field its athletes in cross country skiing, short track and Alpine skiing. Belarus has earned 33 Olympic berths.

The main part of the Belarusian sports delegation will travel to Pyeongchang on 1 February. The administrative group led by chief of the Belarusian mission Alexander Baraulya has already been working in South Korea and is ready to provide the athletes and coaches with everything necessary. The opening ceremony of the Games is scheduled for 9 February. The closing ceremony will take place on 25 February.

As for the 22^nd Winter Paralympics, Belarus will field its athletes in cross country skiing and biathlon, First Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister Vyacheslav Durnov said. The Paralympics will be held on 9-18 March.