President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has presented state awards to Kazakhstan’s medallists from the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games, reported The Astana Times.
Both events were held in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya: the Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, and the Para Games from October 18 to 24. Tokayev praised taekwondo athlete Tamirlan Tleules, who won Kazakhstan’s first Asian Games gold in the sport, and sprinter Aisulu Suleimenova, who set an Asian record in the 100 metres at the Para Games. He also praised boxing champions, karate and cycling stars, and Paralympic powerlifters.
“This is truly a tremendous achievement that fills us with deep pride for Kazakhstan!” Tokayev said. He added that “every child in Kazakhstan must have the opportunity to participate in sports.”
Kazakhstan has spent more than 616 billion tenge (about $1.4 billion) on sports development over the past five years. Tokayev told the sports ministry and federations to prepare athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and announced new sports facilities and inclusive centres. In 2027 the country will host world championships in boxing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis and esports, as well as the 51st UEFA Congress in Astana. Sport is becoming a visible part of Kazakhstan’s international image.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
November 9, 2026