7-th Asian Games | Astana Almaty 2011

Reports and Presentations

“Government Hour” in Majilis: Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Questions and Answers

V.P. ROGALEV. Dear Temirkhan Mynaidaruly! In your speech, in the materials distributed yesterday amongst the members of the Parliament, as well as at the extended exhibition organized by the ministry, we received complete information on implementation of the state program related to the development of tourism and sports, as well as on development perspectives of tourist and sports organizations. I think, this important sector will continue developing successfully under your governance.

I have a question. As we know, our country will host the Asian Games. In winter sports we have many victories and our anthem was played, as well as our flag was raised at the sports arenas of the world for the honour of Kazakh sportsmen. Today, amongst the winter sports, ice hockey is developing dynamically. The national team of Kazakhstan will play in “A” Group in 2009 together with the best teams of the world; “Barys” was in the CHL play-offs. However, there is information that the hockey teams will play only at the championship of Kazakhstan. I suppose within such framework it is hard to improve, maybe, it is possible to solve the issue of participation of such strong teams as “KazZink-Torpedo” (Ust-Kamenogorsk), “Saryarka” (Karaganda), “Kazakhmys” (Satpayev) in the top league of the Russian championship, apart from “Barys” that plays in the CHL. I think this will make our ice hockey stronger.

T.M. DOSMUKHAMBETOV. Thank you. I accept your proposals. In fact, organization of the Asian Games coincided with the global crisis. We had some difficulties and, of course, this issue was a serious one for us. We were applying a few times to the Asian Olympic Committee and to the International Olympic Committee. When we just started the construction of our sports facilities, the financing ceased for a while. There was even an issue not to hold the Asian Games at all. But that would not be a good proposal for the prestige of our country.

Nevertheless, we gathered with the sports community, akimats and went to the President of the country. He solved the financial issues related to holding and continuing construction of the sports facilities for the VII Winter Asian Games. Thanks to the President, I think we will host these Games at a very good level because the main projects for the Asian Games are practically ready.

In Astana, we are constructing the 400-meter Ice Palace; the Palace of Sports “Kazakhstan” is in good condition; it just needs an additional training stadium. The cycle track is ready. We were constructing stadiums for opening and closing and now this idea was supported. I think that in Astana practically all issues are solved. Regarding the cycle track, we have agreed and invited experts from the International Olympic Committee to hold the ice hockey contest there because the modern technologies are so advanced that they allow using the ice carpets: lay them, connect them to electricity and that is all … Thus, we use the cycle track for the Winter Asian Games.

Regarding Almaty, we are constructing the ski-jump arenas, “Q-125″ and “Q-90″. But, honestly, this project will not be in the complete format because it is impossible to make completely good infrastructure in compliance with the whole international standard. Nevertheless, both of the main ski-jump arenas where the contests will be held will comply with all international standards. Regarding the stadium, we are solving the issues - construction is practically ongoing.

Regarding the Baluan Sholak Palace of Sports, it will be completed by the end of this year; just some small amount of work will be left for 2010.

Regarding Medeo, Akimat of Almaty is undertaking the rehabilitation. Akim personally controls this issue and he holds planning meetings every week to complete the work on time.

Regarding Shymbulak, it is practically private. Nevertheless, they were provided with funds and the track itself already today complies with the international standard.

Regarding the biathlon-skiing track in Almaty Oblast, in Soldatsky Gorge, the construction is also ongoing.

Thus, construction is ongoing. The only thing we have reduced is the Olympic villages and press centres but the hotels are suitable. We agreed with the Asian Olympic Committee that we would place them in the hotels.

So the organization of these Games will comply with the international standard.

Just a few days ago, the commission approved all our decisions. On the 24^th, in Singapore, we will be presenting our sports facilities at the Asian Olympic Committee. Thank you.

Providing explanations to the member of the Parliament, Nurlan Onerbai, the Minister noted: this is a very serous issue, which is dealt with by the Steering Committee established for organization of the Seventh Winter Asian Games headed by the Prime-Minister of our country, Karim Kazhimkanovich. Great attention is paid to it. Opening will be in Astana. The main thing is the opening. Usually, by the time of the closing ceremony, after 10-12 days of the competitions, some sportsmen leave. Even China with its 1.5 billion population made the closing ceremony in the sports palace for 4,000 people but the opening ceremony was very solemn. We must do the same. You are absolutely right when you say this is the country’s prestige. For these purposes we established the Division; akims of both cities conduct very important work.

Opening will be held at the covered stadium with 30 thousand spectators. It must be solemn. In fact, we don’t have a director in our country who would conduct this event. China and Qatar, all the countries, which hosted the Asian Olympic Games, invite directors from outside. We are also working on it. We are conducting negotiations, listening to proposals. This will be a great event. We are paying great attention to it.

I think that akimat of the city within three months … We must review these issues at the Steering Committee headed by the Prime-Minister. I think your proposals will be also reflected during the session of the Steering Committee on opening and closing of the Asian Games.

Regarding the closing ceremony, initially we wanted to have a solemn ceremony but there will be no people there, at Medeo. The closing ceremony will be held in the Baluan Sholak Palace of Sports. The work has also started there. They are inviting for the closing ceremony. The funds for the ceremony will be also allocated through the division for the territory: for closing - to Almaty, for opening - to Astana. Thank you.

According to the information of the Press Service of the RK Majilis Parliament