Cars and apartments gifted to 2024 Paris Olympic Games champion and his coach

According to the akimat’s press service, about 15 thousand residents of Zhambyl gathered to pay their respects to the Paris Olympics medalist. The event commenced with a video presentation honoring Smetov's achievements in sports. 

Akim of Zhambyl region, Yerbol Karashukeyev, delivered a congratulatory speech at the solemn event. He extended profound gratitude to judoka and his coach, who achieved the pinnacle of Olympic success in Paris.

“Yeldos Smetov, a Kazakh national, became the first Olympic judo champion in the history of the independent Kazakhstan. After Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov’s success, 44 years later, Yeldos Smetov was finally able to achieve the coveted dream of the Kazakh people. Many renowned and accomplished athletes who put Kazakhstan on the global sports map hail from Aulieata. They include Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, Yermakhan Ibraimov, and Bakhtiyar Artayev, as well as Olympic medalists Serik Konakbayev, Islam Bayramukov, Bulat Zhumadilov, Bulat Niyazymbetov, and Akzhurek Tanatarov. These athletes have brought immense pride to the entire country, showcasing the nation's excellence in sports.

Aulieata is a region with a history of producing champions and a tradition of nurturing talented coaches. Following Yeldos' triumph, it can be asserted with a reasonable degree of confidence that the Zhambyl region is the cradle of unstoppable fighters. The triumph of Yeldos is a source of collective pride for all Kazakhstani citizens. Let the prestige of Kazakhstani sports expand!” the akim stated.

On behalf of the akimat, Yerbol Karashukeyev, awarded the Olympic champion with gifts, including keys to a five-room penthouse in Taraz and a Lexus 600 vehicle. Additionally, a personal coach, Galymzhan Zhylgeldiev was gifted with the keys to a two-room apartment and a Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle.

“Since childhood, I have dreamt of raising the flag of my country and singing the anthem at the Olympic Games. And I worked tirelessly on the path to my dream. I am happy that I managed to fulfill the dream of Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov. I want to sincerely thank my fans. I felt your support. I thank my fellow countrymen!” Yeldos Smetov stressed.

The personal trainer of the Olympic champion also spoke at the solemn event and noted that all the efforts, labor and hopes were justified.

It bears to remind that judoka Yeldos Smetov claimed Kazakhstan’s first gold medal in judo. He won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Earlier, Kazakhstani Olympic medal winners arrived in Almaty where they were greeted by family members, friends, fans, and mass media.