Sports federations in Kazakhstan will now be required to assist in preventing extremism and terrorism, under new provisions in the updated Law “On Physical Culture and Sport.” The amendment stems from concerns over the growing influence of religious movements in the sports environment, according to Vice-Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Senate session, Zharasbayev explained that the measure is being implemented in cooperation with the National Security Committee.
“This provision was introduced in collaboration with the National Security Committee due to the need to address emerging risks. We are working within the framework of the Anti-Terrorist Center and have already developed a roadmap through 2027,” he said.
Previously, sports federations were not involved in national security matters, but Zharasbayev stated that “the time has come” for them to take part in identifying potential threats and reporting relevant information to state authorities.
Currently, the focus is strictly on preventive measures. In April, specialists from the Anti-Terrorist Center will begin traveling to the regions to provide detailed briefings on the new requirements.
“By the end of April or early May, we’ll meet with all federations to clarify these norms. For now, it’s solely about prevention,” he added. The government also plans to involve theologians with experience in countering extremist ideologies as part of the outreach.
The urgency of the issue was underscored by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the fourth session of the National Kurultai in Burabay in early March.
“Mazhilis deputy Yermurat Bapi has raised concerns about the country’s religious climate. Kurultai members Daniya Kydyrbayeva and Olzhas Suleimen have also noted the growing influence of non-traditional religious movements among youth, especially in the sports sector,” Tokayev said.
He reaffirmed that while freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, “disorder and permissiveness are unacceptable.” The president called for preventing destructive ideologies and using regulatory frameworks to promote national unity.
The new obligation for sports federations is part of a broader legislative package recently passed by the Senate in two readings. According to Deputy Asem Rakhmetova, the amendments aim to improve legal frameworks in the field of physical culture and sports, while also clarifying the division of powers between central and local executive bodies as part of ongoing administrative reforms. In total, the bill modifies two codes and five laws.
Similar concerns have arisen outside Kazakhstan. In Russia, State Duma deputy Sergei Mironov recently requested that the Prosecutor General’s Office investigate MMA clubs for possible links to radical groups. He warned that the “uncontrolled functioning” of such organizations could pose a threat to state security, citing reports that terrorists involved in the Crocus City Hall attack had trained at one such club.
Kazakhstan’s sports organizations are now being tasked with responsibilities beyond their traditional scope. As Zharasbayev put it, “Federations must pay attention to such risks”, and this is no longer optional, but a formal obligation under the law.
