Łukašenka gives sports officials dressing down over poor results

February 29, Pozirk. Belarus’ sports achievements are “rubbish” and do not reflect the government’s investment and care, Alaksandar Łukašenka said today as he gave sports officials, including his son, a dressing down.

He stressed that Belarusian athletes and teams should compete with Russians instead of complaining about bans from international competitions.

He said Russian athletes have been performing much better despite restrictions.

“The skiers were skiing slower; now they ski faster. [Ice] hockey there is proper ice hockey. They have superb soccer.

“Like I said, outplay Russians. Compete with them, come and report to me that you did better than the Russians in all sports. I don’t need anything else from you. The nation will be happy.”  

The Belarusian ruler gave officials until the end of the quarter “to establish proper order” in sports.

He complained that the government finances soccer clubs, whereas “clubs should earn funds for their officials and other staff, or ask donors for funding,” he said.

Current performances by Belarusian athletes are “embarrassing” and “sometimes disgusting to watch,” he said.

“The people don’t need such sport,” he stressed. “No one will fund it from the budget.”

According to the Belarusian ruler’s press office, Deputy Prime Minister Ihar Pietryšenka, Sports Minister Siarhiej Kavalčuk, hockey coach Dźmitryj Baskaŭ as well as his son Viktar Łukašenka and Mikałaj Šarstnioŭ, chairmen of the National Olympic Committee and the Belarusian Soccer Federation, respectively, attended the meeting.

Both Belarusian and Russian athletes face sanctions following 2020 postelection protests and the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Belarus is banned from hosting international competitions, and its athletes cannot represent their country at major tournaments.

Some outstanding athletes have fled the country amid political reprisals.