Alexander Bogdanovich: "Hockey cooperation is strengthening our close relations with Russia"

Alexander Bogdanovich, the Chairman of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation (BIHF), spoke about the benefits of cooperation with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF).

- The BIHF is one of the RIHF's key partners on the international scene. How important is it for your cooperation to deepen with regard to all aspects of the development of ice hockey?

- We are brotherly nations. We should be close to each other, help each other. And this concerns not only ice hockey, but also all aspects of life including economics, science, culture and politics. We will always be with Russia, we'll never betray the country. All citizens of Russia and Belarus know this, after all our leaders always speak about this.

Our ice hockey cooperation is growing with every passing year. We have close, warm relations with the RIHF and we cooperate across all levels of our sport. For example, Belarus has now formed U14, U15 and U16 national teams which participate in Russian championships and consequently receive the opportunity to compete against the strongest players of their age group from Russia. This is serving as vital experience for us. Belarusians now have excellent facilities for the development of their abilities.

Furthermore, of course it's great that we are competing in U20 international tournaments such as the Future Cup in Saint Petersburg. At this particular competition, junior players from Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan are working together for a brighter future while displaying their talents. They will bring glory to national ice hockey in the future.

- Joint international tournaments between Russia and Belarus have been taking place across three years now. Have you already felt the benefits from these competitions?

- Of course. We have a strategy of ice hockey development in place. In my opinion, it's always providing us with colossal benefits. The list of players capable of representing Belarus at international level has grown significantly. Senior players previously had their spots in the main national team guaranteed, but that's no longer the case. The next generation is talented and boasts bags of potential. The most quality players we have, the better our results will be.

We can see just how much our ice hockey is developing. Taking into account that Russia, a true giant of our game, is our partner, I can say that we are rather fortunate. The Russians have always been a first class national team while maintaining the highest of levels and potential. The Russians truly are the best of the best! For the Republic of Belarus, Russia is a fantastic partner which is helping us to progress across all aspects.

- All competitions involving Russia and Belarus are always staged with a friendly atmosphere.

- This reflects the warm relations between our two countries. Belarusian fans always supported Russia at major international tournaments and vice versa. Our friendship is stronger than ever right now, and together we are improving our sport and making it stronger. Thank you to the RIHF for cooperation in creating such a warm relationship. I would like to thank Vladislav Tretiak, Roman Rotenberg and Dmitry Kurbatov for our productive cooperation and striving to make ice hockey better together. I'm confident that we will continue to appreciate one another and that our close relationship will continue for many more years to come.