A scandal has erupted within the Kazakhstan national team ahead of the 2025 Asian Games.

— I was preparing for this selection because I knew it was a direct path to the Asian Games. We were assured that those who qualify here will go. However, when I completed my distance (1500 meters), I did not see my name on the list at the meeting. When I asked, "How did this happen?", I was told that the lists had been sent out earlier, and nothing could be done anymore, — said the athlete from Kostanay.

The team composition for the Asian Games is limited to seven disciplines, with only 10 participants for both men and women. According to the athlete, when the team was preparing for the games in the capital, it was stated that those who took first and second places would go to the competitions, while third place would be at the discretion of the selectors. As a result of the race, the Kostanay athlete finished in second place.

— Later, it turns out that an athlete who finished fifth in these selections will go to the competitions. I was explained that the choice was made because he will compete in the team event, — clarified the speed skater.

Klenko received support from the regional sports management, which sent a letter to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The management believes that the head coach and the team made an unfair decision concerning the athlete from Kostanay.

Kazinform also reached out to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

— The qualifying competitions for participation in the international season 2024-2025 took place from October 25 to 27 in the city of Inzell (Germany), where Klenko Alexander finished in 4th place, and to date, he also holds the 4th position in the national ranking for this distance based on the results of all competitions of the current season. Nuraly Akzhol finished in 2nd place and ranks 3rd in the national rating, — it was reported in the inquiry.

It is specified that the formation of the team for participation in the Asian Games, according to a letter from the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan (No. 661 dated November 19 of this year), was to take place by December 1, 2024. Additionally, the Republic of Kazakhstan Championship was held from December 18 to
21.

— The team composition was formed by the coaching staff based on the current season results and the determination of priority disciplines for medal acquisition. In this situation, the priority is the "team event." The team for the Asian Games is limited to seven disciplines and a total of 10 participants. The "team event" consists of eight laps of 3200 m. Nuraly Akzhol is the current national record holder in the "team event." Based on the above, he is registered for the 1500 m distance with the understanding that he will participate in the "team event," — it was emphasized in the response.

The Winter Asian Games 2025 will take place in Harbin (China) from February 7 to 14, 2025. It was previously announced that 139 athletes from Kazakhstan will represent the country on the international stage.