Astana council pushes for stronger inclusive sports policies in Kazakhstan

From policy gaps to cinematic inspiration, Kazakhstan is redefining opportunities for disabled athletes. Will new laws finally bridge the divide?

, and Administrator

2026 March 31 . 8:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people in wheelchairs playing basketball in a gymnasium. There is a... — The image shows a group of people in wheelchairs playing basketball in a gymnasium. There is a basketball net at the top of the image, and a wall with curtains in the background. There are also banners with text on them, and lights on the ceiling.

Astana council pushes for stronger inclusive sports policies in Kazakhstan

A recent council meeting in Astana focused on advancing inclusive sports for people with disabilities. Lawmakers and experts gathered to discuss key challenges and future steps in this area. The talks aligned with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's ongoing push for a more inclusive society in Kazakhstan. The meeting highlighted gaps in infrastructure, trained professionals, and effective methodologies for inclusive sports. Participants stressed the need for better resources to support athletes with disabilities. Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev reinforced this by linking the efforts to Kazakhstan's updated Constitution, which prioritises inclusivity.

Currently, around 8,000 athletes with disabilities train regularly across the country's facilities. These include 16 specialised clubs and two adaptive sports schools. However, as of March 2026, only one dedicated Inclusive Sports Center exists—located in Astana—despite the president's earlier instructions to expand such facilities. The discussions also covered legislative changes aimed at strengthening support for children with disabilities. All proposals from the meeting will now be sent to relevant authorities for further review. Meanwhile, the recent premiere of the film *Erekshe* on 19 March has helped promote the ideology of inclusive sports to a wider audience.

The council's decisions will shape future policies on inclusive sports in Kazakhstan. Authorities will examine the proposed amendments and infrastructure plans in the coming months. The outcome could directly impact the 8,000 athletes already training in the country's existing facilities.