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International hockey officials to inspect Belarus' preparations for 2014 world championship in November

A delegation of officials representing the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will visit Belarus in November to inspect the country's preparations for the 2014 world championship, Deputy Sports Minister Alyaksandr Hahiyew said at a meeting of the Council of Ministers' Presidium on October 29.

The tournament will take place in Minsk between May 9 and 25.

Mr. Hahiyew said that all preparations for the championship were being carried out according to schedule.

According to the deputy minister, active work is underway to prepare the championship's two venues, Minsk Arena and Chyzhowka Arena.

He said that 14 new hotels were expected to be built in Minsk ahead of the tournament.

Mr. Hahiyew confirmed that foreign citizens would be allowed to enter Belarus without a visa during the championship provided they produce a ticket to a game at the border. The period of visa-free travel to and from Belarus for ticket holders will be between April 25 and May 31, 2014. //BelaPAN