In Orsha, the boxing competitions at the II CIS Games were officially launched
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 on the eve, 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. Olympic champions, Olympic Games finalists, world professional champions – 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 State 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 from Belarus in general. Indescribable emotions when you box in your home arena. I've never had so many people supporting me before – it's fantastic," shared the Vitebsk native. "I went out to enjoy myself, to do beautifully everything I know how to do. We work a lot in the gym, we have the best training. Therefore, it's all about the mental component. Everyone's preparation is more or less the same; whoever psychologically prepares for victory will win."
Today, during the daytime session, Denis Matsulev met Parviz Akhmedov from Turkmenistan in the ring 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 'Olimpiec' sports complex, located next to the Ice Arena. - ). Everything here is organized at a world-class level, it's very cool. There are many fans here, and the support is very great. Despite the time difference with Uzbekistan, I am always in touch with my mother, who also supports me," said Sobirjon Tastan, a boxer from Uzbekistan. 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.
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.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by