Kyrgyzstan to award four-year scholarships to Olympic athletes

Kyrgyzstan plans to provide scholarships to its Olympic athletes for the entire four-year Olympic cycle, a significant enhancement to athlete support.

Urmat Asanbaev, director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, announced the initiative during a session of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament). He was responding to a question from lawmaker Umbetaaly Kydyraliev about parliamentary support for Olympians.

“

The previous leaders approved the current provision within the framework of the law. Now we are making changes to it so that Olympians can once again receive a scholarship for the entire four-year Olympic cycle.

Asanbaev cited the case of wrestler Jolaman Sharshenbekov, who reportedly received a scholarship for only one year instead of the standard four. He explained that current regulations, approved by previous leadership, are being revised to reinstate the four-year scholarship period. This extended support is contingent on athletes maintaining active training and competition. Athletes who achieve Olympic success but cease training would still receive a lifelong stipend designated for champions and medalists.

The agency is preparing the necessary amendments to formalize the four-year scholarship term. This move is intended to offer athletes greater financial stability and allow them to focus on their training and preparation for the Olympic Games without the uncertainty of short-term funding.

“

If a person became an Olympic champion but stopped training and competing, then they will only receive the lifelong scholarship provided for Olympic champions and medalists.