Kazakhstan has launched the construction of Central Asia’s largest gymnastics center in Almaty, marking a major investment in sports infrastructure as the country seeks to become a regional hub for international gymnastics competitions.

The announcement came during a meeting among President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe, and Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) President A-Rahman Al-Shathri, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The sides discussed expanding cooperation to promote gymnastics across Kazakhstan and strengthen the country's role in the international sporting community.

President Tokayev thanked the FIG and AGU for their continued support of the Kazakh Gymnastics Federation, noting that gymnastics is becoming increasingly popular among children and young people throughout the country.

Kazakhstan currently operates three specialized gymnastics complexes that host the national team and international competitions. The new facility in Almaty is expected to significantly expand the country's capacity to train elite athletes and stage world-class tournaments.

Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan's successful track record in organizing major sporting events and reaffirmed the country's readiness to work with international partners on new initiatives to develop gymnastics and host prestigious global competitions.