Kazakh race walker Yasmina Toxanbayeva, who was stripped of an Asian Games gold medal in September because her shoes did not meet competition regulations, has received a state award. On November 9, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded her the Eren Enbegi Ushin Medal (For Distinguished Labor).
On September 27, at the Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, Toxanbayeva completed the 42.195-kilometer race in 3 hours, 22 minutes, and 20 seconds, finishing almost four minutes ahead of her nearest rival. However, after the finish, officials determined that her shoes were not on the list of models approved for competition by the international governing body, World Athletics.
The Kazakh athlete was subsequently disqualified, and the gold medal went to China’s Danzengquzong. The Kazakhstan Athletics Federation challenged the decision, arguing that Toxanbayeva’s shoes had been inspected before the start and that she had been cleared to compete. The federation also promised to pay her the prize money for winning, regardless of the outcome of the dispute.
Despite her disqualification, Toxanbayeva was among the athletes recognized with state honors for their performances at the 20th Asian Games and the fifth Asian Para Games. The decree lists Toxanbayeva as a participant rather than a medal winner.
Twelve other Kazakh athletes received the Eren Enbegi Ushin Medal. Five Asian Games champions were awarded the Kurmet Order, including cyclist Alexey Lutsenko, who became Kazakhstan’s first six-time Asian Games champion. Karateka Sofya Berultseva, who won gold in Japan, received the Parasat Order.
Kazakhstan finished the 2026 Asian Games with 84 medals: 12 gold, 24 silver, and 48 bronze. The national team placed eighth in the medal standings, climbing three positions from the previous Games in Hangzhou, where Kazakh athletes won 80 medals, including ten golds.
