How sport developed over years of Kazakhstan’s Independence?

Kazakhstan is celebrating its 30th anniversary of Independence. Over the years, the country has achieved great success not only in economics, culture and politics, but also in sports. The victories and achievements of the famous athletes speak louder than words. The success of the Kazakh boxer, the world champion Daniyar Yeleussinov, is a vivid example.

“It is the country, where I was not only born and raised, but also became successful. I am the same age as the Independence. I turned 30 just recently. I think it’s symbolic, and that’s why this year I would like to dedicate all my further victories to the Independence of our country,” said Yeleussinov.

Since gaining Independence, more than 25 ancient traditional games have been resumed in Kazakhstan. ‘Kazakh Kuresi’, ‘Sayatshylyk’, ‘Assyk Atu’ and ‘Togyzkumalak’ are among them. All of them have recently been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Today’s athletes revive the skills of famous Kazakh fighters and strongmen of the past. One of them is a four-time power exercise world record holder of the Guinness Book of Records - Sergey Tsyrulnikov.  Endowed with strength, he can easily bend nails and tie horseshoes into knots.

“My main occupation is to follow in footsteps of powerful athletes of the past, such as Kazhymukan Munaitpasov and Baluan Sholak. Development of the power culture of Kazakhstan is my mission, my favorite occupation. I represent our country on international arenas, in particular, the power discipline,” shared Tsyrulnikov.

It is no secret that sport plays a big role in people's lives. It strengthens health and body, trains character. In our country, active work is being carried out to promote mass sports and a healthy lifestyle. Over the years of independence, 77 stadiums, 38 sports palaces, about 8,000 new sports grounds and more than 2,000 gyms were built in our country.