Astana, January 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received Johan Eliasch, President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the Akorda press service reported.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the FIS. President Tokayev noted that more than 85,000 people in Kazakhstan are actively engaged in skiing, underscoring the country’s modern sports infrastructure, including world-class alpine and cross-country skiing facilities as well as ice arenas that meet international standards. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s focused preparations for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games to be held in Italy.
For his part, Johan Eliasch expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s consistent support for sports, emphasizing that Kazakhstani athletes compete with dignity at major international events. He also highly praised the socio-economic reforms currently being implemented in the country.
The meeting further reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation between Kazakhstan and the FIS, including the exchange of experience, athlete training programs, education for coaches, and the development of refereeing.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Tokayev awarded Johan Eliasch the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), II degree, in recognition of his contribution to the development of skiing and snowboarding in Kazakhstan.
