Photo: primeminister.kz
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov held a meeting with the winners of the IV Asian Para Games, which were held from October 22 to 28 in the Chinese city of Hangzhou.
Kazakhstan was represented by 131 athletes in 14 sports: para powerlifting, boccia, para athletics, para cycling, rowing, para judo, sitting volleyball, para table tennis, chess, pair of bullet shooting, pair archery, pair of taekwondo, pair swimming and pair of canoes. As a result, the national team won 41 medals, including 8 gold, 12 silver and 21 bronze. In the medal standings, Kazakhstan took 11th place among 44 participating countries.
Photo:primeminisrer.kz
During the meeting, Alikhan Smailov read out a letter of thanks on behalf of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and congratulated the Kazakh Paralympians on their high results at the past Games
"Your dedication and unwavering spirit inspire millions of people to overcome life's obstacles and achieve success. Your triumphant performance showed the limitless abilities of man. For the younger generation, the life of each of you is an example of skill, courage and, of course, perseverance, without which it is impossible to achieve high sports results," the Prime Minister said.
According to Alikhan Smailov, the mentors and coaches who supported the Paralympians on their way to achievements deserve special gratitude.
"All of you fought with a true Olympic mindset to win. Today's success at the Asian Paralympic Games is a serious bid for future Paralympic achievements," he stressed.
The meeting with the head of government was attended by the winners of continental competitions David Degtyarev (pair powerlifting), Nurdaulet Zhumagali and Dias Kenzhebek (pair swimming), Akmaral Nauatbek, Yergali Shamey and Olzhas Orazalyuly (pair judo), Dastan Mukashbekov (athletics).
Asian record holder Nurdaulet Zhumagali noted that performance at such major competitions is always associated with great responsibility.
"In training, we fulfilled all the tasks. Our preparation was at a high level. At the Asian Games, I especially felt the support of our country. On behalf of all athletes, I express my gratitude to the people of Kazakhstan. We will do our best to sing our anthem at the upcoming Paralympic Games!" he said.
The pair of judoka Akmaral Nauatbek also noted that the Asian Games have become a great test for Kazakh athletes before the Paralympic Games.
"Our success is the result of joint work, including all coaches and medical staff. I can say with confidence on behalf of all athletes that we will carefully prepare for the upcoming Paralympic Games and please our country with new achievements," she said.
Within the framework of the meeting, Alikhan Smailov presented letters of thanks and memorable gifts on behalf of the Head of State to the winners and prize-winners of the Asian Para Games, as well as to the coaches who prepared them. The Paralympic Judo Federation of Kazakhstan was also awarded a letter of thanks from the President.