On the eve of the upcoming XXXII Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, the President had a traditional meeting with the members of the National Olympic team.
Most part of the athletes participated in the meeting via a teleconference from the Akbulak Olympic Center in the Almaty region, where the final training camps are held before heading to Tokyo.
Speaking to the Olympians, the Head of State noted that protecting the country's honor at the largest sporting events is an honorable task, a great honor and responsibility.
The Head of State recalled that over the years of Independence, Kazakhstan has won 71 Olympic medals, including 16 gold, during this period more than a hundred major sports facilities have been built in the country, 16 of which are of international level.
As Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, the Olympic Flame, which will be lit in Tokyo at such a difficult time, will become a symbol of the fight against the pandemic for all mankind. The President noted that long lockdowns in almost all the countries have caused a sensitive blow to the usual rhythm of life.
“Each of you had to show a real champion character in order to strengthen your leadership positions at the international level and get the coveted Olympic licenses. In these difficult conditions, you rigorously followed the strict sports regime of self-restraint, setting a positive example of responsible behavior,” he said.
The President has no doubt that the powerful energy support of Kazakhstan people will be following our athletes throughout the Olympics.
“In the year of the 30th anniversary of Independence, the places on the Olympic podium will become not only your personal achievement, but also the triumph of the entire nation. They will inspire thousands of young hearts to play sports, lead a healthy lifestyle and firmly follow their goals,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed.
In his speech, President Tokayev named the development of mass and youth sports as a priority.
“It is on this basis that we will improve the health of the nation and bring up a new generation of Olympic athletes - sports stars that the entire country will be proud of. Such a policy will give a powerful impetus to the development of sports sections and yard clubs, creating real incentives for children's coaches and helping identify a new group of gifted athletes,” the President believes.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that our athletes will show their record results in Tokyo and strengthen the country's position among the sports super powers.
The Head of State also highly valued the coaches contribution to Kazakhstan’s achievements in sports. According to him, behind every athletes' triumph is the painstaking, selfless work of mentors, who often remains outside the spotlight and cameras.
During the ceremony, for the first time, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev handed over the National Flag of Kazakhstan to two flag bearers – Olga Rypakova, Olympic champion in triple jump and Kamshybek Kunkabayev, silver medalist of the World Boxing Championship.
On behalf of the National Team, Olga Rypakova expressed gratitude to the President for the warm welcoming and good wishes.
“Your pep talk is a powerful support for us. We feel the genuine love of our people, and understand the responsibility entrusted to us. We will make every effort and skill to honorably represent our Motherland,” Olga Rypakova said.
Boxer Kamshybek Kunkabayev promised the President that the team would do their utmost to justify the trust of the people of Kazakhstan.
“It is a great honor and responsibility to receive the flag of our country from your hands. We will do everything so that this flag, a sacred symbol for the Olympians, is raised in Tokyo as much as possible, so that our national anthem sounds there,” the captain of the Kazakhstan boxing team said.
