Kazakhstan Prepares for 9th Asian Winter Games
Kazakh Prime Minister Urges Intensified Efforts to Boost Competitiveness of Sports Ahead of Asian Winter Games
ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has directed officials to ramp up efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Kazakh sports as the country prepares for the ninth Asian Winter Games. The decision came during a meeting held on Jan. 14.
Bektenov oversaw the progress of preparations for the upcoming Asian Winter Games, scheduled to take place from Feb. 7-14 in Harbin, China, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service.
Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov revealed that Kazakhstan will be represented by its national team in six sports across 10 disciplines, consisting of 138 athletes. The participation in the Asian Winter Games will provide valuable training opportunities for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan in 2026.
Hosting major sporting events not only boosts interest in winter sports within the country but also contributes to the growth of tourism. Bektenov emphasized the importance of ensuring that sports facilities are easily accessible to the general public.
The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with local administrations, to intensify efforts to attract investors and create favorable conditions for the development of sports infrastructure, particularly ski slopes in regions such as Almaty, Almaty Region, and East Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan has been actively promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging widespread participation in physical activities. Over the past five years, the country has constructed numerous sports complexes, swimming pools, sports arenas, and sports grounds, with a significant number of projects undertaken by private investors.
Bektenov highlighted the need for comprehensive training programs aligned with Olympic standards and emphasized the importance of enhancing sports medicine practices. The Prime Minister called for collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and local authorities to support youth and children’s sports, establish sports schools and sections, and promote the development of sports at various levels.
Efforts are underway to address the lack of specialized sports training, shortage of coaching staff, and limited inter-regional competition in various sports disciplines, with a focus on aligning sports choices with the country’s unique attributes.
Overall, Bektenov emphasized the importance of collective efforts to elevate the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s sports sector and achieve success on the international stage.
