Deaflympic sport in Kazakhstan has developed rapidly over the years of independence and has become an important area aimed at unlocking the potential of citizens with special needs. The State provides significant support in this direction, contributing to the creation of an inclusive society. The development of Deaflympic sports is closely linked to the success of athletes, government support and the desire of society for inclusion.
The history of the development of surdo sports in Kazakhstan
Deaflympic sport in Kazakhstan began to develop in 1992 with the creation of the "Sports Union". The main goal of the organization was to reveal the sporting potential of people with hearing impairment and protect their rights. This initiative laid the foundation for the development of sign language in the country.
In 1996, at the Asia-Pacific Games in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Kazakhstani athletes won 1 silver and 4 bronze medals, which was the first step on the world stage.
In 1997, the national team took part for the first time in the XVIII Deaflympic Games in Copenhagen (Denmark). The medals won in athletics and wrestling marked the beginning of a new era in the history of deaf sports in Kazakhstan.
In 2011, the National Deaflympic Federation of Kazakhstan was established, and in 2014 the association "Deaflympics Kazakhstan" received international recognition.
In 2014, for the first time, a sports Contest was held among athletes with hearing impairment in 5 sports, which by 2022 had grown to 11 sports with the participation of more than 1,000 people.
Kazakh surdo athletes achieved the greatest success at the XXIV Summer Deaflympics in 2022 in Caxias do Sul (Brazil), winning 4 gold, 7 silver and 18 bronze medals, which became a record in the history of the country.
The year 2024 has become special for Kazakhstan. For the first time in the country, the world championships in Deaflympic sports were held: the futsal championship among athletes with hearing impairment in Astana with the participation of 10 countries and the judo championship in Turkestan, where about 200 athletes from 21 countries took part.
Current status
According to the data of 2023, more than 700,000 people with disabilities live in Kazakhstan, 56,822 of them are engaged in sports. The number of athletes with hearing impairment is 6180 people.
At the professional level, about 1,000 athletes are engaged in sign language sports in 15 disciplines:
Arm Wrestling
Taekwondo
Freestyle wrestling
Greco-Roman wrestling
Athletics
Futsal
Ski racing
Swimming
Table tennis
Judo
Chess
Checkers
Curling
Football
Badminton
National championships and cups are held annually. According to their results, the best athletes are included in the national team, defending the honor of Kazakhstan in the international arena. The national team consists of 731 athletes in Deaflympic sports.
Competitions and future plans
The Deaflympic Games remain the main goal of athletes with hearing impairment. Kazakhstan took part in these competitions for the first time in 1997 as an independent state. To date, Kazakhstani athletes have won 8 gold, 8 silver and 26 bronze medals at 5 summer and 3 winter Deaflympics.
In addition, since 1996, Kazakhstani athletes have successfully competed at the Asia-Pacific Games, where they won 27 medals: 2 gold, 9 silver and 16 bronze. This year, Kazakhstan is taking part in the Asia-Pacific Games for the fifth time, which will be held from December 1-8, in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). On behalf of our country, 80 athletes will participate in 8 sports. These competitions will be an important stage in the preparation for the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.
The importance of sign language for Kazakhstan
Sign language is not only medals and victories, but also an example of the implementation of the principles of equality and inclusion in society. The reforms led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev contribute to the expansion of support for people with special needs and the formation of an effective ecosystem for their integration into society.
The ecosystem includes not only physical support, but also measures aimed at social adaptation and improving the quality of life of citizens. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plays a key role in creating conditions that allow people with disabilities to find themselves in life through sports and fully integrate into society.
By their example, Kazakhstani sign language athletes strengthen new values in society, demonstrating that hard work and fortitude lead to high achievements. These successes shape the sports culture in the country and inspire young people to play sports.
The upcoming Asia-Pacific Games and the Deaflympics are an opportunity for Kazakhstan to reach new heights. They will become not only a sporting, but also a social indicator of the country's progress. The victories of the deaf athletes testify to Kazakhstan's commitment to the principles of inclusion and equality, strengthen international authority and demonstrate commitment to progressive values.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/892690