Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Lukashenka took the ice

Salidarnasc

Christmas international hockey amateur tournament started in Minsk.

The Belarusian lider entered the rink wearing a black helmet, Salidarnasc reports.

The traditional tournament started in the evening on 4 January in the Sports Palace with the game of Belarus against Switzerland. The home team predictably smashed the competitors 11-4.

The score was opened by Alyaksandr Lukashenka already at the 2nd minute of the game. He scored another time at the 22nd minute.

As they write on the Pressball’s forum, during the game Lukashenka was sent off the rink – for attacking a competitor not possessing the puck.

"Those were the most patient 2 minutes in the history of sovereign Belarus", fans joke.

It is notable that the President played in a black helmet, whereas his partners wore traditional red ones.

The attitude of Belarusian sports fans towards the competition is well known. Two years ago the whistled the announcement of the presidential Christmas hockey amateur tournament at the Minsk Arena.

A year ago the ruler’s team violated the rules of the competition. The tournament is called "unofficial world championship among amateurs", but there were already 9 acting professional players in Lukashenka’s team.

In yesterday’s game one of the goals was scored, in particular, by the forward of Gomel Artsiom Siankevich.