Today, at the capital's equestrian sports complex «Argymaq», as part of the Nauryz Meyrami celebrations, the festive event «NAURYZNAMA: National Sports Day» dedicated to National Sports Day took place.
Participants included the Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yermek Marzhikpayev, the Deputy Akim of Astana, Yesset Baiken, the President of the Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islambek Salzhanov, veterans of national sports, presidents of national sports federations, athletes, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, as well as residents and guests of the capital.

In his congratulatory speech, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yermek Marzhikpayev, especially emphasized that today there is a revival of special interest and popularity in national sports in our country.

«National games are our history, heritage, and traditions. One of the features of the Kazakh people's games is the test of strength and endurance. Today, various competitions and tournaments in national sports will be held in all regions. The conduct of horse racing and falconry competitions, as well as tournaments in togyzkumalak, asyk atu, and archery will allow Kazakhstanis to immerse themselves in the feeling of a universal celebration» said the Minister.

In turn, the President of the Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islambek Salzhanov, noted that the updated format of the Nauryz Meyrami in Kazakhstan and the celebration of March 20 as National Sports Day is joyful news for all of national sports.

«With the support of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, national sports are dynamically developing in our country. Thus, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the 5th World Nomad Games will be held in September this year, which will give an impulse for the development and popularization of national sports» said Islambek Salzhanov.

Deputy Akim of Astana, Yesset Baiken, then spoke and congratulated all participants of the event on the holiday, noting that during these days competitions in national sports will take place in all districts of the capital.

As part of the festive event, there were demonstration performances in kokpar, audaryspak, tenge ilu, archery, qyz quu, and master classes in togyzkumalak and asyk atu. Guests were shown tazy breed dogs and introduced to the ancient art of falconry.

Moreover, a spectacular surprise for the audience was an exhibition friendly match between the teams of Astana and the USA in kokpar.
In honor of the holiday, veterans of national sports and active figures in this field, who have glorified it with their achievements, were awarded.

Among them are the nine-time USSR champion in kokpar Abilkhan Daulybaev, two-time RK champion in togyzkumalak Meyramkul Nogaybaev, Honored Coach of the Kazakh SSR Jumabek Meyramgaliyev, sports journalist Nesip Zhunisbayuly, Honored Coach of the RK Kulamkhan Jakypov, the head coach of the national team in asyk atu Jomart Sabyrjanov, and atbegi Meyrambek Chakenov.

«We are glad that today our merits were recognized and we were awarded as veterans of national sports. Now in Kazakhstan, young athletes have great opportunities. I wish our national team victories at the upcoming 5th World Nomad Games» said Abilkhan Daulybaev.

It should be noted that the Association of National Sports of the RK currently includes 10 federations: bәyge, kokpar, audaryspak, archery, jambы atu, tenge ilu, qusbegilik, asyk atu, "JORYQ", etc. Last year, athletes from these federations participated in 12 international competitions and won 95 medals, 35 of which were gold.

Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan