President Tokayev meets WADA President Witold Bańka

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday received World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Bańka, underscoring Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to promoting integrity and fairness in sports, the Akorda press service reported.

Welcoming the WADA chief, President Tokayev emphasized the critical role of the World Anti-Doping Agency as a key global institution in the fight against doping, noting that its efforts are essential to safeguarding the values of fair play and the spirit of sport.

The Head of State highlighted that Witold Bańka’s visit to Astana represents an important milestone in expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and WADA, further strengthening the country’s engagement in the international anti-doping movement.

During the meeting, President Tokayev commended WADA’s firm and consistent stance against systemic violations and its contribution to maintaining global standards of clean sport. He noted that such efforts are vital not only for athletes but also for millions of sports fans around the world.

President Tokayev also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s role as a regional leader in anti-doping efforts, pointing out that the only anti-doping laboratory in Central Asia operates under the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The facility serves as the base for the Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO), which includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, and Afghanistan.

For his part, WADA President Witold Bańka expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s continued support of the agency’s initiatives and praised the high level of cooperation with national sports institutions.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening long-term collaboration and strengthening Kazakhstan’s standing as a responsible and reliable partner of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Tokayev presented Witold Bańka with the Dostyq Order, II degree, in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of sports and the promotion of clean competition in Kazakhstan.