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Kazakhstan Hosts 8th Asian Paralympic Committee General Assembly
The city of Astana, Kazakhstan, is currently playing host to the 8th General Assembly of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC). The event, which brings together over 120 delegates, including heads of national paralympic committees, representatives of international sports organizations, and leaders from 45 Asian countries, is a significant milestone in the growth of the Paralympic movement in Asia.
The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, is attending the assembly, underscoring the importance of the event in the global Paralympic sphere.
Kazakhstan's role in the Paralympic movement in Asia is marked by a series of key developments and achievements. The country's athletes have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the global stage, with a particularly impressive showing at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where they won nine medals, including two golds for the first time in the country's history.
This success is a reflection of a long-term development strategy that has seen Kazakhstan support 19 Paralympic sports nationwide and hold more than 800 Paralympic competitions annually, engaging over 10,000 participants. The national Paralympic team includes more than 1,000 athletes.
In addition to its athletic achievements, Kazakhstan has also been an active host of regional Paralympic events and conferences. The country serves as an important venue for IPC and APC competitions and assemblies, with Astana hosting the Asian Paralympic Committee General Assembly Conference in 2025.
Kazakhstan's commitment to the Paralympic movement extends to the highest political level, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally engaging with IPC and APC leadership to promote the movement. In 2025, he awarded international Paralympic leaders the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) for their contributions.
The country's dedication to the Paralympic movement is also evidenced by its investment in superior training infrastructure. Modern facilities for para-athletes have attracted praise from APC leadership and contributed to the improved performance of Kazakhstani athletes internationally.
The assembly in Astana is a historic event, marking the first such event to take place in Central Asia. Kazakhstan has a proven track record of successfully hosting major international competitions, including world championships in para-powerlifting, para-hockey, and other sports.
The hosting of the assembly in Astana underscores Kazakhstan's growing role in developing the Paralympic movement in Asia. Coaches and specialists in Kazakhstan are also undergoing training under international programs, further solidifying the country's commitment to the Paralympic movement.
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