MINSK - A new chapter is in progress at the Belarusian Basketball Federation after Maxim Ryzhenkov was elected as President earlier this month. He was inaugurated in his new position at an extraordinary conference, which was conveyed at the headquarters of the National Olympic Committee.

There were a number of significant changes made to the governing body of the Federation at the meeting - headlined by the unanimous election of Ryzhenkov, who is the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Belarus for Physical Culture, Sport and Development of Tourism.

He takes over the reins from his predecessor, Viktor Kamenkov, who had ran the office since December 2008, but decided to hand in his resignation after a period of ill health.

"Last year I suffered a micro stroke,” he explained to those present at the meeting. "Not a stroke as was stated in the media, but a micro stroke.

"I was out of my regular life for six months and with regret, I have to inform you that I can no longer combine my work at the Federation and at the Union of Lawyers of the Republic of Belarus."

Meanwhile, after the election was held, Ryzhenkov told the delegates: "For me, it is not just an honour being elected, but also a genetic duty to the memory of my father, who is also associated with basketball. Thank you so much for your trust."

There were also several other notable appointments made, including four deputies of the President who are: Andrei Balabin, Piotr Dzerzhinsky, Yegor Meshcharakou, Vladimir Rasseka

Additionally, the posts of the Executive Director and Acting Secretary General remain via Tatsiana Matsko and Julia Taribo respectively.

FIBA