The cycling track “Saryarka” is one of the busiest sports complexes in the country.

This ultra-modern arena regularly hosts various competitions. For example, last week “Saryarka” had another challenge by holding World Grand Prix of Judo.

For whom is the complex a home? Which teams hold regular trainings and meetings? What is being done for the development of mass sports? These questions of “Liter” were answered by the director of the cycling track, Bauyrzhan Mukhashev.

- We are trying hard to hold all activities and tournaments at a proper level, - he said.

- Grand Prix of Judo was no exception. My congratulations on the successful performance to members of the national team of Kazakhstan - Eldos Smetov, Zhansay Smagulov, Askhat Telmanov, Aziz Kalkamanuly, Maxim Rakov. I watched the fights from the first day of the tournament, placing my greatest hopes on our wrestlers. My expectations were fully realized.

- Does the cycling track meet the expectations of the fans?

- I will say this: our complex - is unique. The track saw numerous records. However, its main feature is the versatility. “Saryarka” is the center of the development of mass sports. Cycling track has a developed infrastructure that allows holding competitions for almost any sport. Proof of the high level of “Sary-Arka” is its unprecedented demand.

We do not have any free space. Our sports complex is a home for basketball players of “Astana”, regular trainings are held for Kazakhstani men and women national football teams, short track speed skating, cycling, football clubs “Astana”, “Astana-64”, “Bayterek”. We have a school of rhythmic gymnastics, “Zhuldyz”, a taekwondo section, a department of CSKA.

The capacity is 13 thousand people per month. That does not include large-scale events like the Grand Prix of Judo. Not a day of idleness. On the contrary, I am constantly approached with requests to provide spaces for different needs, which I cannot do sometimes. Because the arena is always busy. In Astana, sports are becoming more and more popular every year.

Moreover, by the instructions of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, 30 percent of the population must be involved in a mass sport. From our side, we are doing everything possible. This year we have realized two projects – on 16 August, we opened two mini football fields at the cycling track “Saryarka” with all the infrastructure - locker rooms, showers. In addition, on 17 September we opened a playground for outdoor sports - streetworkout and skatepark.

Zhandos BOLMANOV, Astana 
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