Kazakhstan opened the 10th Asian Indoor Track and Field Championships on Friday, Feb. 10, at the Qazaqstan Sports Complex in Astana. The opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov.

Opening the event, the Head of Government read out a welcome letter from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

"Sport knows no boundaries. It strengthens friendships, brings entire nations and countries together. Kazakhstan attaches special importance to sports. All conditions have been created in our country for professional and mass sports. Great attention is paid to the development of sports infrastructure. This track and field complex, which accommodates over 6,000 people, is a vivid illustration of this. Kazakhstan athletes successfully perform and defend the honor of the country at major world competitions. They serve as an example for the younger generation and inspire young people for bright victories. I am confident that the Asian Championship in Astana will give a new impetus to the development of athletics in our country. We will continue to strengthen cooperation with international organizations in this area. I wish you all good health and every success in the future!" The Head of State said in his letter of greetings.

In turn, Alikhan Smailov wished all athletes successful performances and that the national team of Kazakhstan gets to the victory podium of the championship.

The Prime Minister also expressed his special thanks to Dahlan Al Hamad, President of the Asian Athletics Association, for his help in organizing and holding the event.

The Asian Indoor Track and Field Championship is being held for the first time in the CIS countries. More than 500 athletes from 31 countries are taking part. A total of 26 medal events in track and field, relay races, long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put and combined events will be raffled off. Kazakhstan has 69 athletes on the national team.

International competitions will take place in Astana, February 10-12.