ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev honored Kazakhstan’s medalists at the 20th Asian Games and the fifth Asian Para Games, highlighting their achievements and calling for intensified preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev meets Kazakhstan’s Asian Games and Asian Para Games medalists. Photo credit: Akorda.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Tokayev praised the athletes for representing Kazakhstan at major international competitions and inspiring younger generations, reported Akorda.
“This is truly a tremendous achievement that fills us with deep pride for Kazakhstan! I congratulate you on your outstanding success!” he said.
President Tokayev highlighted several athletes, including Aisulu Suleimenova, who set an Asian record in the 100-meter race at the Para Games, and Tamirlan Tleules, who won Kazakhstan’s first Asian Games gold medal in taekwondo.
He also praised boxing champions Torekhan Sabyrkhan and Aibek Oralbay, two-time Asian Games karate champion Sofya Berultseva, six-time Asian Games cycling champion Alexey Lutsenko and Paralympic powerlifting champion David Degtyarev.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan has allocated more than 616 billion tenge (US$1.4 billion) to sports development over the past five years. He announced plans to build new sports facilities and inclusive centers nationwide as part of a large-scale national construction program.
“Every child in Kazakhstan must have the opportunity to participate in sports. This is not merely a social project, but a strategic political task,” he said.
Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan’s preparations to host world championships in boxing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis and esports in 2027, along with the World Junior Short Track Championships and the 51st UEFA Congress in Astana.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics, Tokayev called on the relevant ministry and sports federations to ensure the highest level of preparation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of state awards to athletes for their achievements at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
The 20th Asian Games were held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. The fifth Asian Para Games followed in the same host region from Oct. 18 to 24, bringing together athletes from across Asia.
