Nurlan Smagulov Presents Chery Vehicle to Paralympic Champion Yerbol Khamitov and Honours Kazakhstan’s Paralympians

Chery Kazakhstan, part of Astana Motors, is a key partner of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Astana Motors founder Nurlan Smagulov presented a Chery Tiggo 7 from Chery Kazakhstan to Yerbol Khamitov, Kazakhstan’s Paralympic champion at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy. The award ceremony took place at a Chery dealership in Almaty.

All members of Kazakhstan’s national winter Paralympic team, as well as the coaching and medical staff, received cash certificates worth KZT 5 million each from Astana Motors.

In addition, Chery Kazakhstan, part of Astana Motors, serves as a key partner of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan in implementing social initiatives and promoting an inclusive environment. Since 2025, the company has been providing annual charitable support amounting to KZT 147 million.

Including prize awards, the total support provided by Astana Motors and the Chery brand over the past two years will amount to KZT 386.5 million.

Cash certificates were awarded to:
Paralympians Alexander Gerlits, Sergey Usoltsev, Yuri Berezin, Vladislav Kobal, Nurlan Alimov and Anna Grachova;
Head Coach Vasily Kolomiyets, Senior Coach Yevgeny Rybintsev, Winter Paralympic Coach Anton Zhdanovich, Guide Coach Yermek Ormantayev and Coach Aslan Tokbayev;
Service technicians Viktor Vasilyev and Konstantin Rybintsev;
Chief Team Doctor Nursultan Yenikeyev, physician-masseur Nurilya Almenova and masseur Yaroslav Kocherov.

“We are proud of our athletes. Their achievements are a remarkable example of determination, discipline and true sportsmanship. Supporting initiatives that inspire people and change perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve is important to us. The victories of our Paralympians deserve admiration and encourage all of us to move forward,” said Nurlan Smagulov.

Kairat Boranbayev, President of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the important role of business support in promoting Paralympic values.

“Our partnership with Astana Motors and the Chery brand helps us develop the Paralympic movement and make it an important part of society. Our shared goal is to expand opportunities for people with disabilities, contribute to creating a barrier-free environment and demonstrate the strength and determination of Kazakhstan’s Paralympians,” said Kairat Boranbayev.

At the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, Kazakhstan competed in two disciplines: Para Cross-Country Skiing and Para Biathlon. The national team consisted of seven athletes who secured a total of 11 qualification slots for the Games.

The standout performer was Yerbol Khamitov. He won Kazakhstan’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in Para Biathlon, claiming victory in the 4.5 km pursuit with a finishing time of 9:39.0. He also earned a bronze medal in the sitting category of Para Cross-Country Skiing. Khamitov is regarded as one of the world’s leading Paralympic athletes. He is a world champion in Para Cross-Country Skiing and Para Biathlon, as well as the overall winner of the Para Biathlon World Cup and recipient of the Crystal Globe.

“This medal is the result of tremendous teamwork. I would like to thank our coaches, my teammates and everyone who supports Paralympic sport in Kazakhstan. This kind of support gives us the motivation to train harder and achieve new victories,” said Yerbol Khamitov.
 

Astana Motors and the Chery brand will continue supporting the development of Paralympic sport in Kazakhstan by creating new opportunities for athletes and promoting a more inclusive society.