Minsk will be fully prepared for hosting the 2014 World Ice Hockey Championship, Mikalay Ladutska, chairman of the city executive committee, told reporters on January 23.
"All preparations for the world hockey championship that have been planned, and they in fact mean the Belarusian capital's regeneration, will be fulfilled," he promised.
A new ice hockey arena will be completed in the Chyzhowka district in southeastern Minsk in September. The entire district, which consists of drab Soviet-era buildings, will be given a facelift ahead of next year's event, according to Mr. Ladutska.
"At the end of the year nine to 10 new hotels with different price levels will become operating in Minsk," the official announced.
"This is not only a sports tournament but also a major advertising event for our country. We should make use of this event in full to demonstrate our capabilities," he said.
Minsk will also host the Track Cycling World Championships in February and the European Amateur Boxing Championships in May.
