A state center for Olympic training in biathlon is to be created in Chernihiv by this spring, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said.

"The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to set up a state center for Olympic training in biathlon in Chernihiv," he said in Kyiv on Monday at a meeting with Ukrainian prizewinners of the biathlon world championships.

He said that the government had already allocated funds for the repair and equipment of the center and that it was to be opened by this spring.

Azarov congratulated the athletes on the medals won, handed diplomas of the Cabinet of Ministers to them and promised to develop biathlon at the state level.

"I want to congratulate you on your victories. Five medals are a great achievement. I wish you further success," he said.