Milinkevich opens wrestling tournament in Vitsebsk (pictures)

The Igar Kanygin Wrestling Tournament opened today in Vitsebsk. Igar Kanygin, a Vitsebsk-born former wrestler, won various titles, including the world champion, the three-time European champion, the Soviet Union champion and the silver medalist at the 1982 Moscow Olympic Games.

Alexander Milinkevich was invited personally by Igar Kanygin as a guest of honor to kick off the competition.

The opposition leader said that he was a long-time wrestling fan and had a huge respect for the host, Igar Kanygin.

This was the first time for Milinkevich to be invited as the guest of honor for such an event. The former presidential contender confessed that he was leaving for Vitsebsk in a hurry and forgot the special prize for young athletes. But he promised to bring it another time.

The international wrestling tournament has been organized by Igar Kanygin in Vitsebsk for the past 20 years. Apart from the Belarusian athletes, Lithuanian wrestlers will also participate this year.

The Russian and Ukrainian wrestlers withdrew from the tournament at the very last minute, citing the lack of funds for travel. The competition will end on October 14. Milinkevich departed Vitsebsk shortly after the opening ceremony.




Alexander Milinkevich and Igar Kanygin



The official opening