Opinions & Interviews

NOC vice president speaks about Belarus’ preparations for Olympics in Tokyo, Beijing

MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) – Vice President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus Dmitri Dovgalenok spoke about the preparations of Belarusian athletes for the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Beijing in an interview to the STV Channel, BelTA has learned.

“The preparations for the Olympics used to be stable, with fixed dates. Athletes were on their way to qualification. At present the situation is constantly changing due to the pandemic. We are keeping in touch with the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics and are constantly getting new requirements that push our athletes and coaches to mobilization for good performance at the Games,” said Dmitri Dovgalenok.

According to him, Belarusian athletes have focused on training at the domestic bases - in Staiki, Raubichi, Zaslavl, and Brest. “The main preparations have been held in our country. Some athletes are training in Turkey,” the NOC vice president said.

According to him, the organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympic Games offered many sport bases almost all over Japan, where athletes can go and get acclimatized. As for the Olympic Village, while previously an athlete was allowed to move in at the beginning of its operation and leave it with the closing ceremony, this time there will be restrictions due to COVID-19. “The international federations will determine the days of arrival and days of departure, depending on the sport. Basically, it will be five days before the competition and two days after,” Dmitri Dovgalenok said.

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