One of the Best Handball Players of Belarus: Nowadays Sports and Politics Closely Connected

• 13.10.2020, 11:25

Artem Korolek demonstrates his position and supports the protesters.

Player of Polish Kielce and the national team of Belarus Artem Korolek shared his emotions, reports Pressball.

- The national team is about to gather. Will you arrive?

- I am always glad to join the national team. It is an honour for me to play for the country, the people and win if possible. Recently there have been a lot of doubts about whether I should play for it or not... But still, I think that I should arrive.

They say politics is politics, and sports come alone. I do not agree. Now, sports and politics are closely connected. I see what happens to athletes who have expressed their opinion. I am not afraid of it. I have recently watched Gerasimenya's interview. She says everyone who speaks out or goes out realizes that they can get a fifteen-day arrest. They are not afraid of detention.

- As I understand it, the majority of legionnaires have the same position regarding the national team. You keep in touch with everyone.

- Not everybody. There is a small circle. When we're in the national team, it's clear that we communicate closely. Everyone has his own point of view. Someone demonstrates it, others do not. Everyone acts as one can, as one wants, as one is allowed. I see why many athletes do not speak out. They have something to lose. You spend your whole life doing your favourite thing, you devote much time and health to sports to achieve a goal. It is very hard to give it up. Probably, Gaiduchenko and I have the closest positions in the national team.

- Do you talk a lot about it with Kulesh?

- We cannot but communicate. He cares as well. He is also going to arrive. At least, he has nothing to be afraid.

- And what about you?

- I'm not afraid. Perhaps, I had to. Many athletes speak out. However, only I, Dragun, who hasn't been invited to the national team, and volleyball players are probably the only ones who speak out. The rest are silent. I act transparently and upload a photo in support.

I am not afraid. Of course, it will look hilarious if I arrive and they jail me for fifteen days. If it happens, I will not be surprised," Korolek said.