Putin sends greetings to 2nd CIS Games
The solemn opening ceremony of the boxing tournament took place at the Ice Arena.
The Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vyacheslav Durnov, took part in the solemn opening ceremony of the competitions.
- Our republic has already proven its ability to host such large-scale sporting events, - he noted. - And we see that the II CIS Games are being held at the highest level. We hear enthusiastic feedback from guests and spectators. For Orsha, such competitions are also a significant event, as highly skilled boxers, albeit of junior age, have gathered here. Spectators are very interested in watching their fights. I believe it is the right decision that competitions in various sports are held in different cities. Foreign guests will get to know our country on a large scale. The competitions brought together representatives from ten countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Athletes from the latter two will perform as invited guests. The draw took place in Orsha the day before, where the order of bouts was determined. From the daytime session of fights, both Belarusian representatives emerged victorious.
"I think we will still hear the names of the people who are boxing here at the World Championships and the Olympic Games. The Games provide a good start and continuation of the boxing path for many guys. It is important for our country to host such a large-scale event. And the fact that boxing competitions are held in the Vitebsk region is a boxing region. An Olympic champion, an Olympic Games finalist, a professional world champion - all are natives of the Vitebsk region, a forge of boxers. The fact that the bouts are held here specifically is pleasing to all residents of the region," said the national boxing coach Alexander Ermashevich. - Today, the daytime program went well, the stands are full - this is an indicator of spectator interest. And you could hear how Belarusians cheered for their athletes."
A total of 136 boxers will compete for medals - representatives of youth women and men under 18 years of age. 25 weight categories are represented: 13 men's and 12 women's.
Belarusian Denis Matsulev noted that it is especially pleasant to perform on his native Vitebsk land. "It's such a storm of emotions, unreal impressions. A lot of people from Vitebsk came to support me, and in general from Belarus. Indescribable emotions when you box in your home arena. I've never had so many people all for me before - it's gorgeous," shared the Vitebsk native. "I went out to enjoy myself, to do beautifully everything I can. We work a lot in the gym during training constantly, we have the best preparation. Therefore, it's all about the mental component. Everyone's preparation is more or less the same, whoever psychologically prepares themselves for victory, they will win."
Denis Matsulev met Parviz Akhmedov from Turkmenistan in the ring during the daytime session today and won. The Vitebsk athlete competes in the +92 kg weight category.
"We arrived earlier than all other teams. We trained for three days in the gym (the boxing gym at the 'Olimpiets' sports complex, located next to the Ice Arena. - ). Everything is organized here at a world-class level, it's very cool. And there are a lot of fans here, and the support is very cool. Despite the time difference with Uzbekistan, I am always in touch with my mother, who also supports me," said the boxer from Uzbekistan Sobirjon Tastan. The athlete won against Vadim Polovnikov from Russia in the 48 kg weight category during the daytime session and is now preparing to enter the ring in a couple of days.
The boxing competitions at the Ice Arena will be held in two sessions. The first daytime session has already taken place today, and the evening session starts at 4:00 PM. The finals and award ceremonies will be held on August 11 and 12.