The Russian Minister of Sports, Oleg Matytsin, visited Abkhazia. The “President,” Aslan Bzhania hosted the Minister of Sports and his deputy, Odes Beysultanov. From the Abkhaz side, Jemal Gubaz, the Chairman of the State Committee for Youth and Sports, also participated in the meeting.

At the meeting, Bzhania discussed several issues, including support for young players to participate in the Russian Student League. Special emphasis was placed on the possibility of developing a rowing base in the Gali district. Interestingly, representatives of the Russian Ministry of Sports visited Gali in February. They were interested in restoring the base, destroyed as a result of the 1992-1993 war.

During the Soviet period, the Soviet team used the Rechkh rowing base located in the Gali district for training in kayaking and canoeing several times a year before the European, World, and Olympic Games. Soviet championships were also held here. It’s possible to train at the Rechkh base in winter as well and there is only one lake that does not freeze in winter in Russia.

The Minister of Sports also visited sports facilities in Sokhumi, including the Dinamo stadium in Sokhumi.