The 2025/2026 Republican Universiade in Weightlifting was officially opened at BNTU.

Today, March 11, the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 Republican Universiade in Weightlifting was held at Sports Complex No. 1 of the Belarusian National Technical University. The event brought together 14 teams from Belarusian higher education institutions.

The opening ceremony brought together guests, including university staff and sports figures:

• BNTU Vice-Rector for Research, Doctor of Economics, and Associate Professor Ksenia Yakushenko;
• BNTU Dean of the Sports and Technical Faculty Yaroslav Potachits;
• Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of the Republic of Belarus, International Judge, and USSR Master of Sports in Weightlifting Ivan Belsky;
• Honored Coach of the USSR and the BSSR Leonid Goncharenko;
• Honored Coach of the Republic of Belarus Sergei Shalai.

Furthermore, the opening ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent representatives of Russian weightlifting. The event was attended by:

• Valery Shariy, 1976 Olympic champion, multiple world, European, and USSR champion, winner of two USSR People's Spartakiads, 13-time world record holder in weightlifting, and Honored Master of Sports of the USSR;
• Leonid Taranenko, 1980 Olympic champion, multiple world, European, and USSR champion, holder of 19 world records, two of which are listed in the Guinness Book of Records, holder of the title "World's Strongest Man," and Honored Master of Sports of the USSR;
• Yevgeny Tikhontsov, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and BNTU student.

In his address to the athletes, Leonid Taranenko noted the importance of preserving sporting traditions:

— I am very pleased to be here today. Weightlifting is a sport with a rich history. We recently celebrated the 140th anniversary of this sport. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the university administration for the tremendous support they provide to its development." I wish all participants a worthy competition and urge them to remember the main Olympic principle: the most important thing is not winning, but taking part!

Ksenia Yakushenko also addressed those present with a welcoming speech, officially declaring the competition open. She emphasized that the students' athletic achievements uphold the prestige of their university and become a national treasure.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a vibrant performance by the BNTU sports aerobics team. The girls, dressed in vibrant costumes, captivated the audience with their energy and coordinated movements.

During the competition itself, each Universiade participant faced a challenging task: to achieve the maximum total in their weight class in two classic lifts—the snatch and the clean and jerk. This sport combines strength, utmost concentration, and years of honed skill—which is why each approach to the weightlifting platform becomes a true test of character.

BNTU athletes demonstrated true fortitude on the platform. The athletes performed with distinction, demonstrating a high level of preparation and team cohesion. We wish our athletes victory and achievements in sport!

Автор материала: Ангелина Демидович, пресс-служба Медиацентра БНТУ
Фото: Владислав Иванов