Sports diplomacy refers to the use of sports activities as a foreign policy tool in international relations. This strategy enables states to use their soft power elements more effectively, to improve their global image, and to increase international cooperation. Sports promote intercultural dialogue while also contributing to the development of diplomatic ties.
Kazakhstan has been pursuing sports diplomacy since 1991, when it gained independence, with the aim of increasing its international recognition and gaining prestige at the global level. By hosting international sports events such as the 2011 Asian Winter Games and the 2017 World Winter University Games, Kazakhstan has both developed its infrastructure and taken significant steps towards becoming a regional sports center. Besides, the successes achieved by Kazakh athletes in international competitions contribute to the construction of national identity and the enhancement of soft power capacity in line with Kazakhstan’s foreign policy goals.
Paralympic sports has emerged as a discipline in the mid-20th century that enables individuals with disabilities to participate in both national and international sporting activities, overcoming physical barriers to celebrate the spirit of competition and the principle of equality. Today, the Paralympic Games are organized as an organization equivalent to the Olympics, demonstrating the inclusiveness of sport and the power of social transformation. From this perspective, Kazakhstan has attracted attention with its development in Paralympic sports, especially over the past decade.
The Kazakhstan National Paralympic Committee (NPC) was founded in 2002 and, since its foundation, it has been committed to promoting the principles of the Paralympic movement, preparing athletes with disabilities for international competitions, and encouraging inclusivity in sports. The government and private entrepreneurs have contributed to the growth of Paralympic sports in Kazakhstan. Businessman Kairat Boranbayev, who was appointed president of the National Paralympic Committee of Kazakhstan in 2015, has been a key figure in this process. Thanks to his support, the Paralympic Training Center, which opened in 2018, has set a precedent both within Kazakhstan and in the Central Asian region. This center allows athletes in different fields to train in state-of-the-art facilities, while also enabling citizens to participate in sports. As a result, the Paralympic movement has evolved into a social project that has spread throughout society, in addition to the successes of elite athletes. Furthermore, under Boranbayev’s leadership, Kazakhstan has become the regional hub for Paralympic sports. On this occasion, it has also hosted experts from many countries, from Uzbekistan to Malaysia, and from Tunisia to the United Arab Emirates.[i]
The Paralympic Training Center serves more than 4,500 individuals with special needs every month, which demonstrates that Kazakhstan has transformed sport into a form of social policy. In addition, the free training opportunities offered in 17 different disciplines enable the younger generation in particular to take up sport. This initiative creates an environment where people with disabilities not only receive rehabilitation but also have the opportunity to pursue professional careers.[ii]
The achievements of Kazakhstan at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are partly a direct result of its institutional and social infrastructure. The country participated in the event with 44 athletes, winning 9 medals and ranked 39th in the standings. The most notable result for Kazakhstan at Paris 2024 was the men’s volleyball team’s 3-0 victory over Brazil in team sports. This result was not just a match score, but also reflected Kazakhstan’s determination, appearing on the stage for the first time since Atlanta 1996. Kazakhstan’s success in this area is not only linked to economic resources but also to institutional vision.[iii]
The prestige Kazakhstan has earned through Paralympic sports has also had a significant effect on international relations. Sports diplomacy has increasingly become an important element of soft power for states in recent years. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Bishkek is one of the most concrete examples of this. The fact that cooperation in the field of sports was on the agenda during the bilateral talks held in Bishkek, in addition to classic issues such as investment, trade, and transportation, shows that sports are being referred to as a diplomatic tool.[iv]
It is important to note that Kazakhstan’s Paralympic sports vision is expected to expand further in the future. Preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Games should begin now, and athletes should be supported with long-term planning.
As a result, Kazakhstan’s achievements in the Paralympic arena reflect not only progress in sports, but also its contribution to regional diplomacy, social inclusion, and international image. The fundamental principles of the Paralympic movement—solidarity, equality, and determination—have been supported by concrete policies in Kazakhstan and culminated in historic successes. The results achieved in Paris 2024 show that this stage is just the beginning. In the coming period, Kazakhstan aims to become even more prominent in the Paralympic field in terms of both regional leadership and global visibility. For this important vision to come to life, the country, athletes, and all segments of society must act together.
[i]“National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, Almaty, https://almaly.kz/en/active/soc-otvetstvennost/national-paralympic-committee-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan/, (Accessed: 22.08.2025).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] “Kazakhstan Achieves Historic Success at Summer Paralympic Games in Paris”, Caspian News,https://caspiannews.com/news-detail/kazakhstan-achieves-historic-success-at-summer-paralympic-games-in-paris-2024-9-9-15/, (Accessed: 22.08.2025).
[iv] “Bitemirov bolsters Kazakhstan’s best Paralympic Games finish with defeat of Brazil”, World Para Wolley, https://worldparavolley.org/bitemirov-bolsters-kazakhstans-best-paralympic-games-finish-with-defeat-of-brazil/ (Accessed: 22.08.2025).
