More thrilling than World Cup'. Peat football tournament draws crowds in Pukhovichi District

Peat football is drawing crowds in Belarus’ Pukhovichi District, with the national peat football tournament turning viscous bog conditions into a test of teamwork. BelTA reports that at the opening ceremony, players were addressed by Energy Minister Denis Moroz and Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko. Kushnarenko linked the event to the symbolic opening of the historical and educational center of Belarus’ peat industry at the Usyazh Peat Plant, and noted the next week’s Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. The ceremony also included an air show by DOSAAF of Minsk Oblast. Held at the Sergeyevichskoye peat plant stadium, a venue designed specifically for the sport, the tournament featured 27 teams including energy workers, cement industry representatives, Minsk Oblast officials, media, BNTU students, and a team from Russia. The 1,113-hectare complex includes six pitches.