The President handed over the State Flag to the members of the national team of Kazakhstan participating in the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games

At a meeting with the athletes of the national team, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the Games in Paris is a long-awaited event, which will attract the attention of the whole world. According to him, our strongest boys and girls are going to this tournament, where the best of the best will compete for the championship. As the President stressed, defending the honor of the country is a responsible and honorable duty.

- We pin great hopes on you and will be cheering for you with the whole nation. The domestic sports school has always enjoyed high prestige. Our athletes have always returned home with awards. I am sure you will honorably continue this glorious path, and your achievements will be the victory of all Kazakhstan. The sky-blue banner soaring aloft undoubtedly raises the spirit of our people," the head of state said.

As the President noted, all necessary conditions are being created for our athletes.

- Sports grounds are being built in towns and villages. Last year alone, about 70 sports centers were opened. This year about 200 more facilities will be built. As you know, there have been changes in the structure of the National Olympic Committee. The Headquarters for the preparation for the Olympic Games has been created. Experienced specialists have been invited to the country, including the famous athlete Gennady Golovkin. The result will be only when everyone becomes a true master of their craft. Our people have a special respect for athletes," emphasized Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The head of state drew attention to the fact that the merits of our compatriots, who have left an indelible mark in the history of sports, are honored with the highest appraisal.

- The fact that the names of Baluan Sholak, Kazhymukan Munaytpasov, Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, Alexander Vinokurov, Bekzat Sattarkhanov, Olga Rypakova have been assigned to the best sports facilities is a vivid confirmation of this. I have no doubt that you will also be able to achieve the highest achievements. The younger generation is equal to you. This is a great honor, - said the President of Kazakhstan.

As noted in the statement, my country has always been committed to a policy of peace and cooperation.

- The SCO summit was successfully held in Astana last week. The main goal of this representative event was to strengthen dialog, friendship and trust between countries and peoples. And such priorities are shared by the entire sporting world, because, in fact, any sporting competition is, first of all, a manifestation of solidarity, high aspirations and unity of people. The values of the Olympic Games go far beyond mere sporting achievements. The Olympic Games are a vivid embodiment of equality, mutual respect and fair competition of both individual athletes and entire nations," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President emphasized that the athletes are entrusted with a responsible mission to worthily represent our country and wished them success.

- All of you have made incredible efforts to win a place in this Olympics. I am sure you will show your best form and achieve good results. You will be supported by the whole of Kazakhstan. Of course, it is not easy to become a champion. Popular wisdom says: "He who keeps honor, will achieve any goal". I am sure you will come back as winners," the head of state said.

State flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev presented the captain of the national team Aslanbek Shymbergenov.

The main part of the national team of Kazakhstan took part in the meeting in the mode of video link from the Olympic Center Akbulak in Almaty region, where athletes spend the final training camp before the games in Paris.

World boxing champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov, winner of the Asian Games in athletics Olga Safronova and Olympic Games in judo Yeldos Smetov also spoke at the event.