Urmаt Asanbaev, the director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, noted that the purpose of this draft law is to create the necessary conditions for the development of adaptive sports, including support for athletes with hearing impairments.
The proposed changes include the legislative consolidation of norms related to deaflympic sports, as well as the regulation of relations between republican sports federations and the relevant state bodies. Furthermore, the document proposes to take into account the time spent by athletes in the national team when calculating their work experience.
The Deaflympics, held since 1924, are international competitions for athletes with hearing impairments, recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Currently, more than 100 countries participate in these games, and Kyrgyzstan has been a part of this event since 2009.
On the international stage, Kyrgyz athletes demonstrate commendable results. For example, at the XXIV Summer Deaflympics in Brazil in 2022, the Kyrgyz team won 6 medals (including 2 silver and 4 bronze). At the Asia-Pacific Deaflympics in Kuala Lumpur in 2024, Kyrgyz athletes won 18 medals and placed sixth in the overall team standings.
The draft law also proposes the introduction of accreditation for republican sports federations, which should improve state regulation and control in the sports sector.
The document also raises the issue of spectator safety at sporting events, which is particularly relevant in the lead-up to the VI World Nomad Games scheduled for 2026 in Kyrgyzstan.
Additionally, it is proposed to consider the time spent by athletes in the national team as part of their work experience (not insurance), which, according to the authors of the draft law, should strengthen the social protection of athletes and enhance the prestige of sports activities.
The adoption of this draft law will contribute to the development of inclusive sports, increase social support for athletes, and improve the organization of sporting events in Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, no additional funding from the republican budget will be required.
