Events

In his address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the strong performance of Kazakhstan’s athletes at the 20th Summer Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games.

“This is truly a remarkable achievement and a source of great pride for Kazakhstan. I congratulate you all on your outstanding victories. You represented our country with distinction at major sporting events that brought together the continent’s finest athletes. Thanks to the dedication of our team, our national anthem rang out and our sky-blue flag was raised repeatedly at the Asian Games. I see every success of our athletes as a triumph of genuine patriotism. Our fellow citizens cheered you on and shared in the emotions of the competition. The medals you won for the national team have inspired all the people of Kazakhstan, especially the younger generation, and set an example of strength of character and determination to win. On this ceremonial occasion, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you once again as Head of State,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

The President said the victories of Kazakhstan’s athletes fully reflect the spirit of the sweeping changes under way in the country. He also noted that the national economy had grown steadily in recent years, enabling Kazakhstan to reach a new level of development.

“According to the International Monetary Fund, Kazakhstan’s GDP is expected to approach 398 billion US dollars by the end of the year. This is the highest figure in our region. Yet amid global instability, we cannot afford to rest on what we have achieved or rely on past successes. We must make every effort to strengthen our country’s capacity in these challenging times,” the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev drew attention to the country’s ambitious development plans.

“As you know, I addressed the tasks facing our country in detail in my recent State of the Nation Address. Next year, a large-scale construction effort will get under way across the country. It is important to understand that this is a genuine ‘People’s Construction’ initiative, a project of historic significance undertaken for the benefit of society as a whole and designed to extend well beyond a short-term campaign. All our citizens, especially young people, should be able to live in safe, comfortable and well-designed surroundings. Achieving this goal is an absolute priority for me as President. Under the ‘People’s Construction’ program, numerous public facilities will be built in every region, including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers for children with special needs, centers for culture and the arts, and sports centers. These facilities will make a tangible difference in our citizens’ daily lives. In effect, we are launching an unprecedented ‘People’s Construction’ program that will fundamentally transform our country and significantly improve our citizens’ quality of life. This large-scale construction effort will reach every city and district and renew our entire public infrastructure. Our nationwide response to the coming era and all its challenges and uncertainties can be summed up in the words ‘Build! Once again build!’ This means mobilizing the whole nation to build a solid foundation for the well-being of future generations,” the President said.

The Head of State underscored that the state has consistently paid close attention to the development of sport.

“Last year, a number of important amendments were made to the Law on Physical Culture and Sport. In particular, a list of priority sports was approved. Over the past five years, more than 616 billion tenge has been allocated to the development of sport in our country. Overall, the measures we have taken are yielding results. Our athletes are achieving excellent results on the world stage and making a significant contribution to strengthening our country’s standing. In this regard, special mention should be made of Aisulu Suleimenova, who set an Asian record in the 100 metres at the Asian Para Games. Aisulu Suleimenova carries on the tradition of Kazakh women distinguished by strength of spirit and unyielding determination. Despite the trials she has faced in life, she has always pressed ahead, setting an example for many. Today, as a member of the Kurultai, she conscientiously fulfils her civic duty and works for the good of the country,” the Head of State said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev went on to highlight the achievements of other athletes who represented Kazakhstan with distinction on the international sporting stage.

“Tamirlan Tleules, our distinguished athlete who competed at the Asian Games, will undoubtedly go down in the history of sport in Kazakhstan and around the world. He won Kazakhstan’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in taekwondo. Our boxers Torekhan Sabyrkhan and Aibek Oralbay also became champions, representing our country with distinction. Sofya Berultseva is a source of pride for Kazakhstan. At the Olympic Games in Tokyo, she won bronze in karate, upholding our country’s standing. Four years ago, at the previous Asian Games, she won gold. This year in Japan, Sofya once again showed her calibre by becoming a two-time Asian Games champion. Alexey Lutsenko, the first six-time Asian Games champion in Kazakhstan’s history, is here with us today. At the Summer Asian Games in Japan, he won two gold medals, in the individual and group cycling events. Alexey Lutsenko’s outstanding success is the result of years of hard work, iron discipline and strength of character. David Degtyarev, a two-time Asian Para Games champion, sets a shining example of professionalism, courage and an unyielding will to win. At the recent Games, he set a new Asian record and took his place at the top of the podium. Powerlifter David Degtyarev is one of the most decorated athletes in Kazakhstan and in the world. He has won gold at two Summer Paralympic Games and is a three-time world champion. The achievements of our athletes raise Kazakhstan’s flag high on the international stage,” the President said.

The Head of State observed that sport has become an important part of how countries build their international standing and reputation, as well as a tool of public diplomacy.

“In 2027, we will host world championships in popular sports such as boxing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis and esports. Kazakhstan will also host the World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championships. In the spring, Astana will host the 51st UEFA Congress, which will draw the interest of football professionals and fans around the world. This year, our capital will host the Executive Committee Meeting of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Kazakhstan is making considerable efforts to promote clean, doping-free sport and to introduce leading international standards and practices. The principles of fair competition in sport are fully consistent with the idea of justice that underpins our country’s strategic course,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed.

In closing, the Head of State stressed the special role of prominent and respected public figures, including athletes, in promoting and upholding new ethical principles. He also set out a number of tasks for the period ahead.

“Sport in Kazakhstan enjoys a strong reputation and has considerable potential. We must therefore strive for even better results. The most important sporting event of the four-year cycle, the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, lies ahead. Preparations for this global competition must already be under way and meet the highest standards,” the President said.

Following his address, the Head of State presented state awards to several athletes for their outstanding achievements at the 20th Summer Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games.