President Tokayev Meets with Olympic Winners, Calls for Sports Reforms

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with athletes and coaches who returned from the Paris Olympics, congratulating them on their successes and emphasizing the significance of hard work and determination behind every victory.

Tokayev also recognized the efforts of other medalists, including gymnast Nariman Kurbanov, who won silver, marking a historic achievement for Kazakhstan in gymnastics. Additional congratulations went to Demeu Zhadyrayev, Nurbek Oralbai, and bronze-winning shooters Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev.

“Each medal at the Olympics holds significant value for our country,” Tokayev said, extending gratitude to the athletes, coaches, and the National Olympic Committee for their dedication.

While praising the athletes’ accomplishments, Tokayev acknowledged challenges in the country’s sports system. He called for reforms in professional sports, urging the relevant authorities to address systemic issues and push for comprehensive changes. He also stressed the need for honest competition and efforts to combat corruption and favoritism in the sector.

The President emphasized the importance of youth and mass sports, stating that a focus on widespread participation would not only raise the standard of professional sports but also improve public health. He urged local governments to ensure that sports facilities across the country are fully operational and accessible to all.

Tokayev further highlighted the role of youth sports schools, pointing out the lack of sufficient Olympic-level talent emerging from these institutions. He called for better management and financing of these schools to ensure they effectively contribute to the national sports reserve.

He also addressed the issue of retaining talented coaches within the country, expressing concern over the migration of Kazakh coaches abroad. Tokayev urged measures to improve the social and professional status of coaches to prevent the loss of valuable expertise.

Moreover, the President discouraged the practice of naturalizing foreign athletes, stating that it often deprives promising Kazakh athletes of opportunities. Instead, he recommended bringing in foreign coaches to strengthen sports in areas where the country is currently lacking.

In his closing remarks, Tokayev reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure and creating optimal conditions for athletes’ development. He also underscored the importance of instilling moral values in young athletes, ensuring their holistic development.

The President concluded by calling for enhanced management and coordination in sports, emphasizing that resources must be used effectively to foster long-term success and restore Kazakhstan’s reputation in the global sports arena.