Participants of 2nd CIS Games share impressions of competitions in Gomel

Participants of the 2nd CIS Games shared their opinion on the impact of sports competitions on international relations, BelTA has learned.

Gomel is hosting judo competitions these days. Athletes from nine countries gathered in the city to compete for medals.

Judge Roman Mikhal is sure that international competitions unite athletes: “At all times, sports tournaments bring athletes together. They give athletes an opportunity to communicate, mingle with each other and make new friends. Coaches who now lead national teams once competed with each other on the same tatami and now they maintain friendly relations,” he said.

A member of Tajikistan's national team doubles down on the important role of competitions in bringing athletes together. “Although I did not end up on the podium, the competitions gave me a huge emotional boost and an opportunity to make friends. I was glad to meet such strong athletes - the best in their respective countries. And for me this is a good experience,” said Aminjon Abdujalilzoda.

The judoist emphasized that sport is not only about wrestling and competitions. Judo has become a significant part of his life. His father once did this sport. And the young man himself has been doing judo for over five years. “I was glad to meet Russian and Belarusian athletes on the tatami, but there is life outside the tatami. We visited the Gomel palace and park ensemble, walked along the central streets of Gomel. Everything is very beautiful, quiet and calm. I liked everything very much. Good, friendly people everywhere. I had conversations with athletes from various countries. All of them are good guys, I made friends with them,” he said.

BelTA – News from Belarus