World Fencing Championship opens in Kazan

On July 18, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Russian Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko, and President of International Fencing Federation Alisher Usmanov took part in opening ceremony of World Fencing Championship at Kazan Tennis Academy.

To the point, 800 sportsmen from 101 countries will take part in the event.

The opening ceremony began with the parade of sportsmen. Afterwards, Vitaly Mutko read out greetings of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, in his turn, thanked event managers for holding World Fencing Championship in Kazan, and guests for visiting Kazan.

“A year ago we hosted summer Universiade, this year we are hosting World Fencing Championship, and in 2015 we will host World Aquatics Championship. I believe more major competitions will be held in Kazan, and best sportsmen from many countries will take part in these events. We hope you will like our city and our country, and we would like to show you our national peculiarities,” Rustam Minnikhanov addressed the audience.

President of International Fencing Federation Alisher Usmanov wished sportsmen and coaches good luck and countries participating in the championship - development of fencing sport. He announced opening of the competitions.

During today’s competitions Mintimer Shaimiev and Alisher Usmanov presented awards to the winners. The Russian fencer Nikolay Kovalev became the world champion.

Finals in personal and team disciplines will be held at Tennis Academy within the next six days. The closing ceremony is planned for July 23.