Belarusian MMA Fighter: I Wanted to Raise This Flag in Support of My People

• 14.12.2020, 14:15

Two Belarusian MMA fighters at once showed their civic stance in international rings.

Two Belarusian MMA fighters (mixed martial arts) showed their civic stance in international rings at once. The champion of Belarus in kickboxing, Viktoryja Dvaraninovich, held her fight in China. At the performance before the fight, she came out with a white-red-white flag. Mixed martial arts fighter Mark Miadzvedzeu celebrated his victory at a tournament in Moscow with a white-red-white flag. Now he has already returned to Homel, reports Current time.

- Mark, your video with the white-red-white flag literally ignited social networks. Was this your goal?

- No, actually, no. I did not expect such an outcome at all. It was kind of crazy. I woke up, had five hundred messages, and started to reply to everyone. This is a huge support as if I won some legendary battle.

- Where did you get the white-red-white flag in Moscow?

- My good friend, fighter Ilya Khotkevich, who adheres to the same civic position as me, brought it to the fight.

- Who wrote to you, if you can reveal the details? How did your sports friends react to your step?

- They appreciated it. Supported me. There were mainly letters of support from both acquaintances and complete strangers. There were only a few negative letters about the white-red-white flag. We argued a little, and that was all. Basically, people supported me, and I am extremely grateful to everyone.

- Mark, as I understand it, it was not a planned action, but more of an emotional step?

- Yes. I wanted to raise this flag against violence in support of my people. And also, the athletes, who were selected for the Olympic Games, were cut off oxygen, kicked out of the national team, and deprived of salaries. I wanted to support my people and cheer them up.

- Does this white-red-white flag mean something to you?

- Yes. This is the flag of the Republic of Belarus, founded in 1918.

– Do you think that your actions will be followed by reprisals from any sports officials in Belarus?

- I think they will. Only a day passed after that. But I knew what I was going for. I hope my sports career will continue. Although it has just begun, this is my first professional fight.

- Mark, do you think, after your act, the appearance of Belarusian athletes in international arenas with white-red-white flags can become massive?

- I think it can. It depends on the citizenship of the athletes. I am not advocating that the white-red-white flag should be raised. Not necessary. This is simply to support my fellow citizens in such a difficult time. This is the choice of every athlete.

- Did you yourself take part in the protests? Perhaps, your relatives were involved? Have you encountered rallies?

- Yes, at the very beginning. I was in Homel all August. And, to be honest, I was shocked. I was driving home in a taxi. Everything was blocked; I drove along the main street for about three hours. Then I decided to go out. There were AMAP officers everywhere; they were crushing everyone.

- What would you say to athletes of Belarus now?

- I would say not to retreat and not give up. I want to support and wish that everything falls into place. So that all athletes who prepared and walked towards their goal were given this opportunity. Many athletes glorified Belarus and raised the flag at the Olympic Games, they have been striving for this all their lives, and now their road has simply been blocked.