World-class swimming pool opens in Minsk

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko inaugurated a world-class swimming pool in Minsk on the eve of 7 November.

The official opening ceremony took place near the swimming pool building that was constructed as part of humanitarian cooperation between Belarus and China.


Ambassador of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan presented a key to the building to the Belarusian president. In turn, Aleksandr Lukashenko handed the key to Ihar Boki, 21-time Paralympic champion, and Anastasia Prokopenko, a sports instructor of the national modern pentathlon team, bronze medalist of the Summer Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing. Aleksandr Lukashenko cut the ribbon together with them, officially inaugurating the swimming pool.

Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the construction of the swimming pool. He recalled that the Chinese leader had showed him a model of the future swimming pool and now this facility became a reality. China is ready to provide technical assistance to build several more social facilities in the future. The construction of a modern football stadium is nearing completion.

The head of state remarked that it is already a tradition in Belarus to inaugurate important social facilities by 7 November. This year, the largest and most important of them is the swimming pool in Minsk.

“We are giving you a great gift,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

At the same time, Aleksandr Lukashenko criticized the performance of Belarusian athletes, in particular football players.

“Maybe, we will do well in swimming?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked. He remarked that swimmers now have a very good facility for training sessions. “At least seven people have already proved themselves as very promising in swimming,” he remarked.

“Belarus has everything in place for doing sports. Just do it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. “Swim, win medals. It looks like you have come close to this. God willing, you will succeed,” he continued.


The swimming pool has the capacity of 6,000 seats. Taking part in the opening ceremony were President of the NOC of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko, Minsk Mayor Vladimir Kukharev, Sports and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, famous athletes, coaches and fledgling athletes.

Photos by BelTA
Video and photos by Pul Pervogo