Kazakhstan reduces no. of foreign athletes

 The number of international athletes has reduced 15% in Kazakhstani sports, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports. 

In response to the request from the Majilis deputies, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov said that in cooperation with the accredited republican sports federations work is ongoing to reduce the number of foreign athletes.

Funds allocated from the state budget and quasi-public sector to finance professional sports football and hockey clubs are limited to KZT1.2 billion, and to KZT450 million for other sports, said the Kazah Premier.

Smailov added that as a result of the work conducted together with the sports federations, it was decided to reduce the number of foreign players from four to two.

Thus, the number of international athletes has reduced by 15% compared with last year, resulting in growing demand for domestic athletes, the Kazakh Prime Minister said in his response.