Kazakhstani MP: “We Are Responsible for Our Own Success”

The recent football achievement of neighboring Uzbekistan — the national team’s qualification for the World Cup finals — was a major event not only for Uzbeks but for the entire region. This success sparked significant interest in Kazakhstan as well. Some, in light of the Uzbeks’ achievement, have raised the question: “why not us?”, while others, inspired by this situation, are calling for a more critical look at their own football.

In this regard, Kazakh MP and leader of the Respublika Party Aidarbek Khozhanazarov shared his important views in an interview with Sports24.kz. According to him, Kazakhstan must confront its own shortcomings and not judge itself solely by the achievements of others.

— I often hear the question: “Uzbekistan qualified, why haven’t we achieved such a result yet?”. But this is the wrong approach. We must work our own way and seriously address the shortcomings of our internal system. Every nation, every team, has its own individual path, — said Khozhanazarov.

He stressed that sometimes success is not linked to population size or geographic opportunities. He cited Iceland as an example:

— Iceland has just 500,000 people. We have as many in just one region. They played in the European Championship, but we are still waiting. Such examples should not discourage us, but inspire practical action. We have good climate, good infrastructure, but no result. So, the problem is in the system, — said the MP.

It should be noted that these opinions have sparked important discussions in Kazakhstan’s football community. Experts say it is time to draw the right conclusions, implement systematic reforms, and pay serious attention to youth football.

Moreover, Kazakhstan’s president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially congratulated Uzbekistan’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the “Central Asia — China” summit. This shows that regional sports achievements are becoming a source of shared pride.

Uzbekistan’s qualification for the World Cup may also serve as moral motivation for Kazakhstan. However, for those seeking success, it is crucial to review the internal system, coaching quality, youth policies, infrastructure, and academies. Only then will Kazakhstan’s football find its own path and strive for success.

At the moment, football fans are congratulating their neighbors on this achievement, expressing hope: “may such days come to us as well.” Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!