Tank Biathlon championship kicks off in Russia

Tank Biathlon 2014 international competition has kicked off in Alabino military range close to Moscow, Russia on August 4, Tengrinews reports citing the Press Service of Kazakhstan's Defence Ministry. The contest will last for two weeks.

The contest brought together crews from 12 countries: Angola, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia and Venezuela.

"Kazakhstan is represented by crews from South, West and East regional commands. The team consisting of four tank crews is ready to demonstrate excellent military vehicle driving and target hitting skills," Kazakhstan's Defence Ministry said.

The championship consists of four stages: an individual race that is held on August 4-6, a sprint and a pursuit race on August 7-8 and 11-12 respectively, a sport stage on August 14, and a relay race on August 16.

Participants must overcome different obstacles such as steep slopes with hairpin turns, antitank ditches and a fire barrier on the 21 km route. According to the organisers, this year's route is more complicated then last year's one.

The results will be announced on August 16.

"Amid the complicated international situation, the competition is designed to promote mutual trust and understanding between the armed forces of the participating countries. It once again shows the desire and readiness of Russia to develop an inter-state military partnership," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is quoted by Kazpravda as saying.

Here is a video of the first day of the competition.

The first Tank Biathlon competition was held in 2013. Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia took part in last year's contest. Russia became the winner followed by Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia.

Writing by Assel Satubaldina, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina