BUDGET OPTIMIZATION: KAZAKHSTAN INTRODUCES NEW APPROACHES TO SPORTS FUNDING

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports continues its systematic efforts to optimize budget expenditures and improve the mechanisms for financing the sports sector. Regional sports departments and national federations have been advised to follow the “1 region – 1 club – 1 sport” principle in order to streamline budget spending and avoid duplication.

This was announced today by Serik Zharasbayev, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, during a meeting chaired by Minister Yerbol Myrzabosynov with the heads of regional departments, subordinate organizations, sports federations, and professional clubs. It should be noted that under the revised Law “On Physical Culture and Sports,” which came into force in June of this year, limits have been introduced on the funding of professional sports clubs in team sports. This measure is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the use of funds, as well as encouraging clubs to seek and attract alternative sources of financing.

In addition, the Law prohibits the use of budgetary and quasi-public funds to pay salaries and cover maintenance costs for foreign athletes. This decision is intended to develop domestic talent, enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstani athletes, and support national sports schools in team disciplines.

The implementation of the updated legislation has also introduced a number of systemic norms aimed at the strategic development of the sector:

Priority sports have been identified.
The Ministry has approved a list of more than 60 priority disciplines, based on the performance of national teams at major international tournaments — including the Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Asian, and Para Asian Games.
Eleven national sports have been designated as priority disciplines.
Starting from 2025, national sports will be included among the priority areas alongside Olympic sports. This opens the way for targeted funding and systemic development of national sports at the highest performance level.

Rights of accompanying persons for athletes with disabilities have been codified.
For the first time, the legislation introduces the concept of an “accompanying person for an athlete with a Group I disability.” This provision is aimed at ensuring equal access to training and competitions, and at promoting inclusivity in sports.

A system of rotation for heads of sports organizations has been introduced.
The Law establishes a five-year term limit for the heads of sports organizations. In regions with limited human resources, rotation will be carried out between neighboring territories within the same region.

These measures are part of a comprehensive reform aimed at creating a sustainable and effective model for the development of sports in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will continue to implement the provisions of the Law within the framework of the approved state policy and will ensure compliance at all levels.