Olympics 2021: Drone show highlights opening ceremonies at Tokyo Games
Towards the end of the opening ceremony, 1,824 drones appeared above the stadium and started as the symbol for the Tokyo Olympics. The drones then formed into the shape of Earth, which was a sight to behold.
A sight never before seen, a feat of technology and beauty. A celestial body hovering over Tokyo. In a moment and a vision for the world," NBC's Savannah Guthrie narrated on the broadcast during the display.
The drone display segued into a rendition of John Lennon's song "Imagine," which has been a staple at the Olympics for quite some time. It was a stunning display that was done with completely precision.
The Tokyo Olympics are finally getting underway after being postponed a calendar year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there won't be any fans in attendance for the Tokyo Olympics due to an elevation of COVID-19 cases in Japan.
Source: CBS
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Gennadiy Golovkin Joins the International Boxing Hall of Fame
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Gennadiy Golovkin, one of Kazakhstan’s most accomplished boxers, an Olympic silver medalist, and former unified middleweight world champion, officially joined the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in Canastota, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The induction ceremony brought together members of the global boxing community, current and former world champions, sports journalists, historians, industry experts, and boxing fans from around the world.
Golovkin earned induction in his first year of eligibility and joined the Class of 2026 alongside Antonio Tarver and Nigel Benn. Members of the Boxing Writers Association of America, together with international boxing historians and experts, selected this year’s inductees through a formal voting process.
Throughout his distinguished professional career, Golovkin captured world titles under the WBA, WBC, IBF, and IBO organizations. He successfully defended his middleweight world title 20 consecutive times, matching the divisional record and securing his place among the most accomplished fighters of his generation.
His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame recognizes not only his extraordinary achievements inside the ring but also his significant contribution to the global development and popularity of boxing. The honor further highlights the strength of Kazakhstan’s boxing tradition and its enduring impact on the sport worldwide.
For Kazakhstan, this milestone carries special significance and marks an important chapter in the nation’s sporting history.
For reference: The International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), established in 1989 in Canastota, New York, stands as the world's most prestigious institution dedicated to honoring the achievements and legacy of outstanding boxers and contributors to the sport. Over the years, the Hall of Fame has inducted some of boxing’s greatest legends, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Manny Pacquiao, Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko, Kostya Tszyu, and other distinguished champions.
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Officials Disciplined Following Dispute Over Mikhail Shaidorov's Contract
Images | gov.kz
Kazakhstan's Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov has commented on the controversy surrounding the contract of Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov, speaking at a government press briefing.
Executive managers on both sides failed to provide sufficient clarification. They have been subjected to administrative disciplinary measures," the minister said.
According to Myrzabossynov, shortcomings in communication between the parties led to the dispute.
The minister also stated that the issue concerning the athlete's contract has now been fully resolved.
The issue regarding Mikhail Shaidorov's contract has been completely settled. The terms of the agreement were explained, and the contract has been signed," he said.
Myrzabossynov noted that the agreement is a standard contract signed by all athletes, not only Olympic champions, and that the same rules apply to everyone. He added that the document was developed in line with international practices, recommendations from anti-doping organisations and requirements set by Kazakhstan's Supreme Audit Chamber.
The minister stressed that the contractual rules and conditions are uniform for all athletes.
Concluding his remarks, Myrzabossynov called for the issue to be considered closed, noting that athletes should now focus on preparing for the upcoming season.
Earlier, Shaidorov publicly reported disagreements with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Tourism and Sports during negotiations over a new contract.
The athlete also said that after winning a historic gold medal in Milan, he and his coaching team faced a suspension of salary payments until a new agreement was signed and, according to him, lost part of their medical support services. Shaidorov claimed that the ministry had delayed the signing of the new contract and that communication on key issues had been inconsistent.
The ministry, meanwhile, stated that all state obligations related to rewarding Shaidorov for his victory at the 2026 Games had been fully met, including financial payments and all awards stipulated under existing regulations.
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Kazakhstan Sports Ministry Says New Contract Signed With Mikhail Shaidorov
Images | Sali Sabirov / olympic.kz
A new contract has been signed with Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov, Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev announced.
I would like to say right away that Mikhail Shaidorov is a legend of Kazakhstani sport, a person who has written his name in golden letters in the history of Kazakhstan's sports. We fully support Mikhail in all his endeavors and wish him only new major victories. As for the contract that has been widely discussed, I would like to note that Mikhail has signed it. The entire process was carried out within the legal framework. The parties reached mutual agreement, discussed all provisions, and as of today the contract has been signed," the vice minister said.
He clarified that the ministry immediately began processing the document after it was signed.
All obligations arising from this contract will be fulfilled, and all corresponding payments will be made," Serik Zharasbayev assured.
According to him, Shaidorov will travel to the United States in the coming days to prepare for the upcoming season.
I would also like to note that on June 5, Mikhail and his team will depart for the United States to continue preparations for the upcoming season," Zharasbayev added.
As previously reported, Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov had stated that disagreements had arisen with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Tourism and Sports during negotiations over the terms of the contract.
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Kazakh Zeinolla Idrisov pockets silver at World Challenge Cup Series in Slovenia
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Kazakh gymnast Zeinolla Idrisov claimed the silver medal at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup Series 2026 in Koper, Slovenia, Qazinform News Agency learnt from the Kazakh National Olympic Committee.
Mateo Žugec from Croatia won gold scoring 14.166 points.
Zeinolla Idrisov took home silver with 14.133 points, while Joshua Nathan from the United Kingdom claimed bronze with 14.100 points.
Kazakh Nariman Kurbanov also reached the pommel horse final, finishing 7th with 13.233 points.
Zeinolla Idrisov’s silver medal marks the first award for Kazakhstan’s team at this tournament.
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Kazakhstan hauls another gold at Asian U20 Wrestling Championships
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Kazakhstan’s wrestling team added four more medals to its tally at the Asian U20 Wrestling Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, Qazinform News Agency cites the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The latest day of competition marked the final medal events in women’s wrestling and the start of freestyle action.
Maiis Aliyev (-70 kg) claimed the gold medal.
Yelaman Amangeldy (-57 kg), Altyn Shagayeva (-57 kg), and Tynys Dubek (-62 kg) each contributed silver medals to Kazakhstan’s tally.
Kazakhstan’s national team has now collected 16 medals overall - four gold, eight silver, and four bronze.
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Kazakh wrestlers claim two gold medals at Asian U20 Wrestling Championships
Images | National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Asian U20 Wrestling Championships kicked off in Da Nang, Vietnam, Qazinform News Agency cites the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s Greco-Roman wrestlers made a strong start to the tournament, winning two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal on the opening day.
Aibek Aitbekov (-60 kg) and Islam Yevloyev (-97 kg) claimed gold medals.
Silver medals went to Ibrokhim Nurmukhammad (-72 kg), Alikhan Dursunov (-77 kg), and Jokhar Uzarov (-130 kg).
Kirill Minko (-82 kg) finished with a bronze medal.
The Asian U20 Wrestling Championships will continue through June 1.
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Nazym Makhmutova secures bronze at Asian Taekwondo Championships
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Kazakh taekwondo athlete Nazym Makhmutova claimed a bronze medal at the Asian Taekwondo Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Qazinform News Agency cites the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh athlete finished third in the women’s under-73 kg weight category.
In the semifinals, Makhmutova faced China’s Song Jie. The Chinese athlete secured a 2–1 victory to advance to the final.
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