President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the upcoming XXV Winter Olympic Games and XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Italy as an event of exceptional importance, bringing together the world’s strongest athletes. The Head of State addressed members of Kazakhstan’s national teams ahead of the main sporting competitions of the four-year cycle, DKNews.kz reports.
According to President Tokayev, around 40 Kazakh athletes will represent the country at the Winter Olympics, competing in 10 sports disciplines. For more than half of them, this will be their first appearance at the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games will be both a great opportunity and a serious test for you. The road to the Winter Olympics was not easy. Our athletes went through many stages of qualification and achieved strong results at international competitions, winning 17 gold, 31 silver and 21 bronze medals, - the President said.
Tokayev also highlighted the importance of the Winter Paralympic Games and expressed strong confidence in Kazakhstan’s Paralympic team. At present, the country has secured 10 qualification licenses for the Paralympics, which will take place in Italy in early March. This number is expected to grow.
We place great hopes on our Paralympic athletes. Their determination and strong will serve as an example for everyone, - the President noted.
The Head of State emphasized that Kazakhstan’s athletes have undergone thorough preparation for the world’s most prestigious winter competitions, where only the best of the best will compete.
Of course, sport is unpredictable. But the fact that you passed tough qualification rounds and became members of Kazakhstan’s Olympic team already speaks volumes about your potential and your determination to win, - Tokayev said.
President Tokayev recalled that since gaining independence, Kazakhstan’s athletes have repeatedly demonstrated a high level of professionalism at the Winter Olympic Games. He mentioned legendary Olympians such as Vladimir Smirnov, Lyudmila Prokashova, Elena Khrustaleva, Denis Ten and Yuliya Galysheva, whose names are forever inscribed in the country’s sporting history.
On the world’s largest sporting arenas, Kazakhstan’s national anthem has been played many times and our flag has been raised in honor of our athletes’ achievements. I am confident that many victories still lie ahead. As I noted recently at a meeting of the National Kurultai, sporting success strengthens national unity and enhances Kazakhstan’s authority on the global stage, - the President said.
Tokayev also stressed that Kazakh athletes consistently perform with dignity and reach the podium at international competitions, reinforcing the country’s image and demonstrating true, constructive patriotism.
The achievements of every citizen are the achievements of the entire nation. The honor of each athlete is the reputation of the whole people. Victory requires discipline and perseverance. You have worked hard to earn the right to compete at this level. Becoming an Olympic champion is every athlete’s dream, and you are now just one step away from it. The trust of the nation is a great responsibility. I am confident that your efforts will be rewarded and that you will return home with victories. The entire country will be cheering for you. I wish you success and triumph. May our turquoise flag always fly high, - the President concluded.
At the end of the ceremony, President Tokayev presented the State Flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan to national team members Denis Nikisha and Ayaulym Amrenova, as well as to Paralympic team representative Yerbol Khamitov.
