Tokayev Rallies Kazakhstan’s Athletes Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has underscored the importance of the upcoming XXV Winter Olympic Games and XIV Winter Paralympic Games, which will bring together the world’s top athletes in Italy, the Akorda press service reported.
According to the President, around 40 athletes will represent Kazakhstan at the Winter Olympic Games, competing in 10 sports, with the majority set to make their debut at the prestigious event. He noted that the road to the Olympics has been challenging, but highlighted the strong performance of Kazakh athletes at international competitions, where they have already secured 17 gold, 31 silver and 21 bronze medals.
Tokayev also placed high hopes on the country’s para-athletes, noting that they have earned 10 quotas for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, scheduled to be held in early March.
“Over the years of Independence, our athletes have repeatedly demonstrated their high professionalism, achieving victories at the Winter Olympic Games through tough competition,” the President said. He recalled the achievements of renowned Olympians including Vladimir Smirnov, Lyudmila Prokasheva, Elena Khrustaleva, Denis Ten and Yulia Galysheva, whose names, he said, are forever inscribed in the history of national sports.
“In honour of the achievements of our athletes on the world’s largest sporting arenas, the anthem has been played and the flag of our country has been raised many times. I believe there are many more victories ahead,” Tokayev added, expressing confidence that the national team would meet the expectations of the country.
He noted that becoming an Olympic champion is the dream of every athlete, stressing that representing the nation is both an honour and a great responsibility. The President voiced confidence that the athletes’ efforts would be rewarded and assured them of the full support of the nation.
During the ceremony, Tokayev handed over the State Flag to national team members Denis Nikisha, Ayaulym Amrenova and para-athlete Yerbol Khamitov.
Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sports and Physical Culture Nurlan Yesembayev announced the flag bearers for the 2026 Olympic Games. He said Denis Nikisha, Honoured Master of Sports of Kazakhstan in short track, and Yana Khan, an International-Class Master of Sports, will carry the Kazakh flag at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
