Kyrgyzstan’s Pride Soars as Swimmer Wins Nation’s First World Medal

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev has congratulated swimmer Denis Petrashov on winning bronze at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore - the first medal for the Kyrgyz Republic in the tournament’s history.

Kasymaliev hailed the achievement as a landmark moment for the country and praised Petrashov for setting a new national record in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 58.88 seconds, beating his own previous record, The Caspian Post reports per Kyrgyz media.

The official emphasized that the success was the product of years of dedication and a proud family tradition. Petrashov and his father, Yevgeny, have together represented Kyrgyzstan at six Olympic Games - Yevgeny in 1996, 2000, and 2004, while Denis in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

At the meeting, Kasymaliev presented Petrashov with a certificate worth 500,000 soms ($5,718) and reaffirmed the government’s support for athletes, including building schools with swimming pools. He also noted plans to develop Issyk-Kul as a center for sports tourism and water sports.