The World Tennis General Assembly, one of the largest annual events of the international tennis community, has kicked off in Almaty. The forum brings together more than 230 delegates from 137 countries, including heads of national federations and representatives of international sports organizations, according to infohub.kz.
According to the city akimat, at the ceremonial event Almaty Akim Darkhan Satybaldy read out a welcoming message from President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqaev to the assembly participants on behalf of the head of state.
"Holding this prestigious international event in Almaty reflects the high trust and respect of the world community for our country. We are sincerely proud of this recognition," the president's greeting says.
The head of state emphasized that Kazakhstan pays great attention to the development of tennis, improving sports infrastructure and supporting talented athletes. Special emphasis is placed on training professional coaches and specialists, as well as developing mass sports.
In his message, the president also expressed confidence that the general assembly will strengthen international partnership and contribute to the further development of world tennis.
As part of the ceremony, President of the International Tennis Federation (WTF) David Haggerty was awarded the Dostyk Order, II degree. The state award was conferred by decree of the head of state for contributions to strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation between peoples. The order was presented by Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan Yerbol Myrzabosynov.
After the award ceremony, Darkhan Satybaldy delivered a welcoming speech and officially declared the general assembly open.
During the forum, delegates are considering key issues in the development of world tennis, including support for national federations, training of coaches and referees, development of children's and youth sports, improvement of infrastructure and holding international competitions.
Holding the assembly in Almaty provides an opportunity to present the city's sports infrastructure, its experience in organizing major international events and prospects for further cooperation to the world tennis community.