Ermaganbet Bulekpayev congratulated the bronze medalists of the Paralympics in Paris

Karaganda athletes Dastan Mukashbekov and Dayana Fedosova won bronze medals at the XVII Summer Paralympic Games in Paris. The Paralympians and their coaches were congratulated by Akim of the Karaganda region Ermaganbet Bulekpayev.

The winners were awarded the keys to one-room apartments and cash certificates for 7 million tenge. The coaches were awarded with cash certificates worth 3 million tenge.

Ermaganbet Bulekpayev noted the good coaching, the great desire to win and the dedication of the athletes.

– Participation in the Paralympics is already a work. And you won medals – that's heroism. Each of you has made every effort and skill and adequately represented our country. The whole of Kazakhstan is proud of you, especially the people of Karaganda. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to the coaches who put in a lot of effort and soul, – said the head of the region.

Dastan Mukashbekov is a multiple winner and prize–winner of international and national championships. At the Paris Paralympics, he took third place in the shot put and set a new Asian record. His medal is the first for Kazakhstan in this sport at the Paralympic Games.

– I have been working towards this result for a very long time. This medal is like gold to me. So much sweat, work, injuries. I was on painkillers at the games. Thank you for the support of my family, coaches, and all Kazakhstanis who supported me! It's nice that my efforts were appreciated, it gives me motivation to move on. When I first joined the Paralympic sport, I set myself the goal of achieving success at all world championships. I want to get a license to participate in the next Paralympic Games and win gold there," Dastan Mukashbekov shared his plans.

Dayana Fedosova has 10 years of experience in para-sports. The judo athlete is a bronze medalist of the World Championship, Asian champion, bronze medalist of the Asian Games and world Grand Prix champion. At the Paris Paralympics, Karagandinka won bronze in the J2 category in para judo.

– The most important thing before the games is not to burn out. No matter how strong and technical you are, if you have inner self-doubt, then nothing will work. I am glad to contribute to the development of Kazakhstani sports. I have rehabilitation ahead of me, as there were a lot of injuries that I did not pay due attention to at the time. There will be a World Cup in 2025, maybe I will perform there. And I wish all para–athletes never to give up, to keep going forward, to believe in themselves and their way," says Dayana Fedosova.

Earlier, the winners and prize-winners of the Paralympics in Paris and their coaches were awarded state awards and monetary incentives.

This year, the Paralympic national team of Kazakhstan set a historical record by winning 9 medals, of which 2 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze.