A large-scale final of the Ministry of Internal Affairs hockey tournament was held in Orsha.

In Orsha, the winner of the second Republican hockey tournament for the Minister of Internal Affairs Cup, dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the Belarusian police, has been determined. The winner is the team of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Department of Protection.

For several days, teams from all regions fought for spots in the finals. The matches took place at two ice arenas – in Orsha and in Astravets. As a result of the intense struggle for the title of the best, the teams of the Department of Protection and the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs competed.

The scale of the event was felt even at the approaches to the Ice Arena, as the organizers prepared a real celebration for the city's residents. The area around the arena featured thematic sites, rural council courtyards, and mobile trade. The departmental campaign "For Safety – Together!" traditionally united people of different ages and professions. Here, one could also learn how to enroll in departmental universities – the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Mogilev Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Guests were keenly interested in the exhibitions of modern and retro technology, tried on special forces equipment, and participated in thematic safety contests. Those who were hungry were treated to fragrant soldier's porridge.
The exhibition of special law enforcement equipment attracted many visitors, especially the youth.

Meanwhile, the courtyards of the Usten, Orekh, Kopyts, Mezhevo, Babinich, and Smolyan rural councils were filled with a true festive atmosphere. Music was playing, there was a tasting of Belarusian cuisine dishes, handicrafts, and national traditions.

Numerous interactive and entertainment sites turned the sports event into a true family festival.

Many were eager to demonstrate their skills in shooting with pneumatic weapons at the tents of the "Fora" club and the military-patriotic club "Orsha-216," whose participants engage in airsoft. At the BRSM site, one could participate in the quest "Hero's Race."

There was also mobile trade from the "Yubileyny" agro-complex, the "Krasny Borets" factory, the Orsha flax factory, and private trading enterprises.

Inside the Ice Arena, interactive sites were organized by educational institutions, enterprises, and social sphere organizations from the Orsha region.

By the start of the final match, the stands of the Ice Arena in Orsha were filled to capacity. Not only colleagues and relatives of the participants but also all those willing could immerse themselves in the unforgettable atmosphere of fair sports competition, excitement, and passion.

The presence of honored guests added special significance to the event: Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Kubrakov, the President's assistant – inspector for the Vitebsk region Vladimir Yurgevich, heads of the Department of Protection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Alexander Shepelev and the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Maxim Subbot, chairman of the Orsha District Executive Committee Igor Moroz, chairman of the central council of the BSO "Dynamo" Dmitry Balaba, and head of the Belarusian Hockey Federation Alexander Bogdanovich.

The tournament began with a spectacular show, including the performance of a thematic musical composition, demonstration performances by young athletes, and team presentations.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was the ceremonial presentation of the State Flag and the flag of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the arena. Participants and fans were greeted by Ivan Kubrakov, who then made a symbolic puck drop.

The hockey match itself was very spectacular. The high pace of the game and the abundance of shots were balanced by the reliable play of the goalkeepers. The outcome of the match was determined by the realization of opportunities: the team of the Department of Protection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs made better use of its chances. With 30 seconds left in the period and a score of 4:2, the Internal Troops had a chance to close the gap while playing 5 on 3 after two penalties to the opponent. The coaching staff went all-in, additionally replacing the goalkeeper with a field player. However, they failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage. The final victory and the title of tournament champions went to the Department of Protection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Anastasia TUROK, Vadim KRAVCHENKO.
Photos by the authors.
The text uses materials from the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Source: orshanka