Astana, 22 October. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, chief executive of Spanish football club Atlético Madrid, and awarded him the Order of Dostyk, second class, for his contribution to the development of football in Kazakhstan.
According to the head of state, Kazakhstan is investing actively in modern football infrastructure, training bases and youth development programmes while continuing to privatise most of the country's football clubs. Together with FIFA, work is under way to build more than 100 new football pitches for children in every region. Tokayev highlighted the achievements of Spain's national team and the Spanish football school and expressed interest in using its experience to train Kazakh players.
Gil Marín thanked the President for his attention to promoting football and spoke positively about the infrastructure of the Atlético Madrid academy in Almaty region, which he said could in future be among the best football training complexes.
What it means: The head of state personally backed cooperation with the Spanish club, which runs an academy in Kazakhstan, and decorated its chief. No new agreements were announced after the meeting.
Who benefits: The Atlético Madrid academy in Almaty region and the young Kazakh footballers who train there; the club strengthens its presence in the region.
Background: The meeting took place on the eve of Republic Day, when Kazakh citizens, including athletes, also received state awards.
List of sources used: Akorda
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
