T-72 Tank Biathlon Held in Belarus

On 20 April 2019, the T-72 “Tank Biathlon” competition show was held at the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex with the support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus.

The first “Tank Biathlon” competition show at the complex took place on 22 October 2016. Despite the cold weather, several thousand spectators came to watch four teams from the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus compete. Visitors experienced the unforgettable thrill of tanks racing at breakneck speeds, guns firing blank rounds, vehicles crushing obstacles and engines roaring. In an unexpected result, the competition was won by a crew of conscripts.

This year, the intense contest between the crews kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end. The final standings remained uncertain until the last run. At the end of the competition, the participants were presented with trophies and certificates. An interesting fact: young men of conscription age who were impressed and inspired by the combat power of the armoured vehicles could immediately sign up to serve specifically in the tank forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, with a guaranteed posting.

The hosts, the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex, had prepared a special bonus for their guests. Before the tank biathlon began, a military-historical reenactment of a battle from the Great Patriotic War, entitled “The Rzhev–Vyazma Operation of 1942”, was staged. The operation played an important role in the Red Army’s general offensive, with Soviet troops driving the enemy back 250 km westwards.

This time, in addition to the main event programme, the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex opened several interactive areas for visitors. Everyone could test their skills in a historical quiz, airgun shooting, assembling and disassembling weapons, and other workshops. The most active participants in the Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) area received certificates and prizes.

The complex also featured a photo area where visitors could have their photograph taken free of charge while holding a weapon against the backdrop of a special banner.

Guests from Denmark, the United States, Australia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait came to watch the tank biathlon that day. The Stalin Line photographer brought out the flags of these countries so that the visitors could have their photograph taken with them free of charge and then raise the flag on the Stalin Line flagpole.