Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov met with the winners of the XXXI World Summer Universiade held from July 28 to August 8 in Chengdu, China.

The Kazakhstan national student team was represented by 90 athletes in 11 sports: archery, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, athletics, fencing, judo, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, shooting and wushu. As a result, the national team took 20th place among 119 countries in the overall medal standings.

During the meeting, Alikhan Smailov read out the congratulations of the Head of State to the athletes.

"I heartily congratulate you on your bright victories at the XXXI World Summer Universiade. Our young people won 2 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze medals in the large-scale competition attended by representatives of 119 countries of the world. The high achievements of our students are written in golden letters in the history of Kazakh sport. Our athletes have worthily defended the honor of the country. They are an example for the younger generation. I express my sincere gratitude to all young people who took part in the competitions. I am confident that in the future you will be able to conquer even higher milestones. I wish you all good health and further success! Let our flag fly high, and the anthem always sounds from the podium of victory!" the text of the congratulatory message reads.

In turn, Prime Minister also noted that Kazakhstani athletes from among student youth showed themselves worthily at the past international competitions.

"Your victories are rightly proud of Kazakhstan. You have honorably represented our country in China," he said.

At the same time, the Head of the Government emphasized that the Universiade is not only a sporting event, but first of all a youth platform that allows students from all over the world to be close to each other. Friendly ties established with people from different countries are of special importance.

As Alikhan Smailov noted, Kazakhstan's sport today needs new names, those who will replace famous athletes. That is why today's victories at the Universiade are a serious bid for future Olympic achievements.

"On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf, I express my gratitude for the worthy performance of all coaches and young athletes, as well as their parents. We are grateful for the joyful emotions that give your sports victories. We are waiting for new achievements and records from you!" he concluded.

The meeting with the Prime Minister was attended by silver medalist in archery Diana Tursynbek, silver medalist in shooting Nikita Chiryukin, a team of medalists in shooting, who won silver and bronze medals: Islam Satpayev, Konstantin Malinovsky and Nikita Shahtorin, as well as the judo medalist team that won bronze medals: Sungat Zhubatkan, Askar Narqulov and Bekarys Saduakas.

In addition, among the participants were taekwondo bronze medalists Beksultan Musakhan, Abdurahmon Maripov, Beibarys Kablan and Shamsat Duisenov, wushu bronze medalists Aikerim Torekhanova and Beksultan Kosskenov, as well as fencing bronze medalists Zhanat Nabiyev, Nazarbay Sattarkhan and Artem Sarkisyan.

Some of the athletes made welcoming speeches. Thus, Sungat Zhubatkan noted that he wanted to bring a gold medal to Kazakhstan, but this time he managed to win bronze.

"I hope that next time we will win gold. Thank you for your support. Let the flag of our country always be on the victory podium!" he said.

Nazarbay Sattarkhan also thanked for the support and noted the focus of Kazakhstan's athletes on high achievements.

"We will not stop, and will show even better results," he assured.

During the meeting, the Head of the Government presented the winners of the XXXI World Summer Universiade with letters of thanks and memorable gifts.

#Alikhan Smailov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Ministry of Culture #Sports