'The award Kazakhstan has been waiting for 32 years': Tokayev receives Mikhail Shaidorov at Akorda

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded the champion of the XXV Winter Olympic Games, Mikhail Shaidorov, at a ceremony held at the Akorda residence, citing Akorda's press service.
In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that this Olympic Games was truly an exceptional event for all of Kazakhstan.

"Thanks to Mikhail Shaidorov's triumph in winning gold in figure skating, Kazakhstan's sky-blue flag was proudly raised at the Olympic arena. First of all, I want to congratulate and sincerely thank Mikhail, as well as express my gratitude to his father, his coach, and everyone gathered here today at Akorda. Mikhail’s global recognition is the result of your hard work and determination! Under your leadership, he became an outstanding athlete and was able to fully realize his talent," said the Head of State.

The President also emphasized that the whole country is proud of Mikhail, and he has become a real role model for young people.

"Becoming an Olympic champion means taking on a challenge and being ready to go through the toughest distance. Only those who work tirelessly and show iron discipline achieve high results," the President pointed out.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added that Mikhail Shaidorov’s victory was a grand achievement in the history of national sports.

"First of all, it is a historic award that Kazakhstan has been waiting for 32 years. Secondly, it is the first Olympic gold medal won by our figure skaters. Thirdly, the whole world has seen that Kazakhstan has bright talents who are proudly continuing the glorious path of the famous figure skater Denis Ten. Mikhail Shaidorov’s brilliant performance at the Olympics is a success of historical significance. This is a real triumph created by our fellow countryman on the ice of Cortina d'Ampezzo. It is the result of incredibly hard work by the Olympic champion, his faith in his own abilities, and his love for such a complex sport as figure skating," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President also stated that the state would create all conditions for the development of mass and professional sports, as this is a priority of state policy.
For his outstanding sports achievements at the XXV Winter Olympic Games, Mikhail Shaidorov was awarded the "Barys" Order of the 2nd degree, and his coach, Alexei Urmanov, received the "Dostyk" Order of the 2nd degree.
The "Qurmet" Order was awarded to the head coach of the national figure skating team, Asem Kasanova, figure skating coach Stanislav Shaidorov, and the president of the Kazakhstan Skating Union, Bauyrzhan Eraly.