starts in Grodno Alexander Cup International Tournament Memory double Olympic champion Alexander Kurlovich. Participation takes nearly 80 athletes from 18 countries of the world. Alexander Cup – license tournament for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

Tomorrow at the site of the Ice Palace will be awarded the first prize and the first sets of the final stage of qualifying points qualify for the Olympics in Japan.

A press conference was held before the start of, where the organizers and participants talked about the tournament.

Head of the Department of Sport and Tourism of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee Alexander Derneyko He noted, that the competition – unique. First of all, the platform will come out strongest athletes of the world. And secondly, Athletes will be able to compete for points in the Olympic ranking:

– In Grodno held many international tournaments. To do this, we have all the conditions and every year we try to improve our infrastructure. But more often held tournaments or team sports in Grodno, or not on the Olympic. AND, finally, we waited for the new competition. Tournament in weightlifting – Olympic sport.

Photo by Dmitry Gribovskogo, weightlifting.by

The head coach of men's national team of Belarus Viktar Shershukou I told, guests have noted the high level of organization of the tournament:

– I say: with this approach you can take any competitions, up to the World Cup. I think, we zamahnomsya for another top tournament. If the World Cup, then at least an adult continental forum. And spend it in Grodno. As for the competition, it is a tribute to a great man and a great athlete. Here come the legend weightlifting: Olympic champion Yuri Zaharevich, Timur Tajmazov and many others.

Bronze medalist of the World and European Championships Vadzim Likharad expects, that he and his team colleagues will be able to please the fans a decent performance:

– We will try to make every effort, to honor the memory of Alexander Nikolayevich Kurlovich and after him perform all approaches purely. I hope, we will show good results are going to do the prizes.

Press conference, Photo by Dzmitry Hrybouski , weightlifting.by

Head Judge Albert Timerbayev I told, Grodno how long went for such a high-level tournament:

– For a long time in Grodno we spent Belarus Alexander Kurlovich championships. The first tournaments were very scarce, but they do them better and better every year. Alexander has invested into the organization so much power. We dreamed to be held in the Ice Palace a solid tournament. Unfortunately, Kurlovich not live. But we will try to continue his line: to held the top tournaments on weightlifting in Grodno. After a teacher, Alexander Nikolaevich, such competitions can be carried out easily. I think, we do not disappoint.

Finally Victor said Shershukov, that season tezheloatletov issued not the easiest:

– Of course, speak much – very difficult. But the advantages of a large number of tournaments over… Probably, Sasha will be very pleased. sorry, but I will say sharply: apparently, To die, to make such competitions. Only now we are beginning to understand, whom we have lost. Unfortunately, somewhere we did not appreciate Sasha and cherished.

Live broadcast of the competition will be available on our website and Youtube-channel. Also you can see the media guide, where you will find useful information about the tournament Alexander Cup.

Weightlifting Belarus