Tokayev on sports federation heads: “It’s time to put an end to this”

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sharply criticized the heads of Kazakhstan’s sports federations who rely solely on state funding and treat their positions as tools of self-promotion.

Speaking at a ceremony in Akorda dedicated to Rescuer’s Day, Tokayev noted that the Ministry of Emergency Situations could also contribute to promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle among the population — in cooperation with sports federations.

“Today, sports federations have largely turned into structures for gaining prestige and influence. Many are led by major businessmen and government officials. But as it turns out, entrepreneurs rely much more on state financing instead of investing their own money in this socially important cause. Civil servants also see these public positions as tools of personal PR, not understanding the real significance of sport. Some even present athletes’ victories as their own. It’s time to put an end to these negative trends. The Presidential Administration will analyze this situation in detail,” Tokayev said.

The President stressed that supporting sports and physical culture should be seen as an honorable civic mission, not a status symbol.

“Heading a federation to boost one’s prestige at home or abroad is unacceptable. The state supports entrepreneurs, including large business figures — but it has the right to expect reciprocity, especially in the commercialization of sports, such as football. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports must build an equal, transparent partnership with sports federations, with clear separation of responsibilities and powers. Encouraging private initiative remains a key priority of state policy,” Tokayev emphasized.

He recalled last week’s special government meeting on economic development, where he again instructed the Prime Minister to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses.

“A new generation of business leaders and philanthropists is now entering sports federations. They are already showing a responsible attitude and genuine interest in achieving meaningful results,” Tokayev added.