Kazakhstan keen to Beijing Olympics and bilateral ties, ambassador says

Kazakhstan is sending a team of 34 athletes to the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Gabit Koishibayev, ambassador of the winter sports stronghold in Central Asia to China, said he could not wait to watch his compatriots compete in the world's first ever both summer and winter Olympics host city.

The ambassador was sympathetic for China's consistent preparation work despite the current pandemic situation and political challenges.

"Kazakhstan is a strong supporter of China in hosting the Winter Olympics," the ambassador said during an exclusive interview with China Daily website on Thursday. "We are against politicizing sports. I want to wish the Winter Olympics in Beijing a total success. I am confident it will be successful and fruitful."

A high-level delegation of the country will attend the opening ceremony of the Games on February 4, according to the ambassador.

Taking part in eight sports including short track speed skating, biathlon, Alpine skiing and ski jumping, the team boasts Yulia Galyshevam, women's freestyle skiing aerials bronze winner from the Pyeongchang Olympics four years ago. Three-time Olympic speed skater Yekaterina Aidova and short track speed skater Abzal Azhgaliyev will be the team's flag bearers.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and five Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan. Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a virtual summit with the five state heads to commemorate the anniversary on Tuesday.