Established sport potential to be further developed in Kazakhstan: N.Nazarbayev

The President congratulated the team of winners of the Asian Games.

"We never had such a convincing victory in the team classification. This was a real triumph of the Kazakh sport! This is a triumph of the whole country! The whole country was supporting our athletes. I was rooting for our sportsmen together with all Kazakhstanis. We all were looking forward to victories. Our success exceeded all expectations", the President noted.

The Asian Games are the second biggest competitions following the Olympic Games. Still only three economically powerful countries - Japan, China and South Korea - took up the organization of the Games. Kazakhstan has joined them. Many sports facilities were built on the threshold of the Asian Games.

"I addressed the issue of holding the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Kazakhstan at the meeting with President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge. I hope the success of the Asian Games and our resounding victory will increase the chances of Kazakhstan", the Head of State said.

The guests were admired by the Games opening and closing ceremonies held in Astana and Almaty cities.

"These two cities can be rightfully called new sports capital cities of the Asian continent. The established sport potential will be further increased for development of the sport of records and mass sport in the country, for education of a new generation of athletes of Kazakhstan. I congratulate once again all of you on the victory in the VII Asian Winter Games!", the President said.

The sportsmen expressed gratitude to the Head of State for active development of sports in Kazakhstan, construction of new sports facilities and for an opportunity to take part in the international competitions, set new records and win gold medals.