The Priangarie region is actively engaged in the planning and construction of several significant sports facilities. According to Irkutsk Oblast Governor Igor Kobzev, priority is being given to completing the Sports House in Ust-Ordynsky settlement and the `Weightlifting Center` sports hall located within the Angarsk city district.
The development of sports infrastructure and the progress of key regional projects in physical culture and sport were topics of discussion between Governor Kobzev and Russia`s Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev during the minister`s recent working visit to Priangarie.
Governor Kobzev stated that work on designing and building large sports venues is ongoing across the region. He reiterated the focus on finishing the Ust-Ordynsky Sports House and highlighted the `Weightlifting Center` in Angarsk, which is part of the regional Olympic Reserve School`s sports and recreation complex and serves as a training hub for national teams.
Additionally, documentation is currently being prepared for the construction of a new stadium and a sports complex in Irkutsk. This future complex is planned to include a curling ice arena and a shooting range.
The governor also noted the continued installation of outdoor sports grounds in various municipalities. Plans for 2025 include setting up seven small GTO (Ready for Labour and Defence) sports grounds, a `smart` sports ground in Granovshchina village (Irkutsk district), six multi-functional sports grounds, and three hockey rinks. Reflecting on recent achievements, he mentioned that over the past five years, 25 small GTO grounds, 96 multi-functional grounds and hockey rinks were installed, and 17 different types of sports complexes were built. The `Baikal` Ice Palace in Irkutsk was completed in 2020.
Further expanding sports facilities, 2025 saw the commissioning of the `Pobeda` sports complex, a modular facility in Cheremkhovo. For the first time, regional budget funds have been allocated for the creation of rapidly erected sports facilities, which are set to appear in Chumsky municipal district and Cheremkhovo. Construction is also progressing on sports and recreation centers in Alzamai and Balagansk village, as well as a swimming pool in Zima. Concurrently, existing sports complexes are undergoing major renovations.
The head of the region also disclosed that plans are being developed for establishing quickly assembled sports and recreation centers in areas inhabited by military personnel. He stressed the importance of good physical fitness for servicemen and the necessity of providing adequate training conditions.
Concluding the visit, Minister Degtyarev participated in a ceremony alongside Governor Kobzev, presenting `Master of Sport of Russia` badges and certificates to athletes from the Priangarie region.
