Lukashenko: The development of modern society cannot be outside of sport

The development of modern society cannot be outside of sport. This opinion was expressed by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on June 13 in Baku at a meeting with the President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey, according to a BELTA correspondent.

The development of modern society cannot be outside of sport. This opinion was expressed by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on June 13 in Baku at a meeting with the President of the European Olympic Committees Patrick Hickey, according to a BELTA correspondent.

"By virtue of my duties, I have to be involved in sports, be responsible for sports and their organization. And in general, the development of modern society is exclusively linked to sports. It's not just about health, but also about a person's mood," said Alexander Lukashenko.

In turn, Patrick Hickey highly praised the development of sports infrastructure in Belarus. "You have excellent sports facilities and venues. Because you are involved in sports yourselves," he said. The EOC President also noted that he had heard the most flattering assessments of the World Hockey Championship held in Minsk.

The parties also discussed the organization and holding of the first European Games in Baku. "Azerbaijan, by organizing this event, has shown its level and put to shame all those who attacked it. This is a normal, developing, peace-loving country with excellent leadership and a President who wants to do good for his country. Therefore, whether you criticize him or not, he is doing a good deed for his country, his people, and, as we have seen, for all of Europe. And they will always criticize us. It is easier to criticize than to do," emphasized the Belarusian leader.

"I cannot disagree. A few weeks ago, we were speaking in the European Parliament in Brussels. And they criticized our committee for holding the games in Azerbaijan. And then I told them: wait, you speak on behalf of 28 countries. And we represent 50 countries of Europe. Therefore, let's respect everyone," said Patrick Hickey.

"A very strong argument," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

At the end of the meeting, the head of the Belarusian state awarded Patrick Hickey with the Medal of Francysk Skaryna for his personal contribution to the development of the Belarusian Olympic movement, mass sports, and elite sports.

News of Belarus (BELTA)