Siarhei Rutenka heads Belarusian Basketball Federation

This became known following the reporting and election conference of the Belarusian Basketball Federation, which took place at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus on 13 March.

Speaking at the conference, President of the NOC of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko noted that basketball plays an important role in the development of sports in Belarus.

“Basketball in our country has a rich history and traditions, and has been developing for 105 years. During this time, we have experienced both downs and ups, as in any sport, and indeed in all of life. In the Year of Belarusian Woman, I would like to highlight our women’s national team, which has achieved significant results in its history. They became bronze medalists at the EuroBasket Women 2007 and performed well at the Olympic Games in Beijing and Rio, where they earned quite high places. Sixth position in the European ranking, eleventh in the world. These achievements speak volumes, especially in team sports. It's always challenging, always honorable. For an extended period, the federation was headed by Maxim Ryzhenkov. He and I have been acquainted since our days at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where our offices were located nearby. The Olympic Committee is also very familiar territory for him. Maxim Ryzhenkov has always been an initiative-driven, determined, and systematic person, always focused on results, and he remains a man of action. Many cannot keep up with him, and we should follow his example. Under Maxim Ryzhenkov’s leadership, the federation has implemented many projects. The globally popular 3x3 format is now being actively promoted, and much attention was paid to youth development and work with coaches and referees. Effective collaboration with the federation’s partners has been established. Together with your team, you managed to create an excellent foundation for the future growth of basketball. And for the next head of the Belarusian Basketball Federation, this is a great asset. There are certainly enough challenges ahead in basketball,” Viktor Lukashenko said.



The head of the NOC of Belarus awarded Maxim Ryzhenkov the medal of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus “For Outstanding Merits” for his significant contribution to the development and popularization of sport in Belarus.

In his speech, Sport Minister Sergei Kovalchuk noted that Maxim Ryzhenkov’s experience is important for Belarusian sport.

“Among the portraits of ministers on the fifth floor of the Sport Ministry, one stands out - Vladimir Ryzhenkov, your father, one of the founders of our ministry. Your love for sport, Maxim Vladimirovich [Ryzhenkov], was evidently passed down to you at the genetic level. I am confident that whatever position you hold, you will always remain connected to basketball and continue to help this sport. Your experience in the federation and previously in the NOC of Belarus will be valuable for the future. Thank you very much!” the minister said.



Sergei Kovalchuk also awarded Maxim Ryzhenkov a Certificate of Honor of the Belarusian Sport Ministry.

In turn, Maxim Ryzhenkov emphasized that, despite his busy schedule at his main job in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he is not parting ways with sports.

“The achievements of our athletes on the international stage are the most effective elements of sports diplomacy. I am fully aware of the importance of this sector for the country, and its influence on advancing various issues – from politics to economics. A high level of sports development testifies to the maturity of the state and is an important element in fostering patriotism,” stressed Maxim Ryzhenkov.

After being elected chairman, Siarhei Rutenka expressed his gratitude to the conference for the trust placed in him:

“The words spoken here about the previous head of the Belarusian Basketball Federation were no mere formality; they were an honest and deserved tribute. Maxim Vladimirovich [Ryzhenkov] first became the head of the federation when I was still an active athlete. I still remember the delight of my basketball colleagues; their joy was genuine. I want to thank you wholeheartedly for the immense work you did as chairman of the federation, for the foundation you laid. For my part, I will devote all my efforts to the development of our sport, and I hope the basketball community will also continue to work just as diligently and tirelessly,” said Siarhei Rutenka.


During the conference, a new composition of the Basketball Federation’s Executive Committee was elected to include 12 people. A new composition of the Audit Commission was also formed, and changes and additions were made to the Basketball Federation’s Charter.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus
Photos by the NOC of Belarus