The Committee for Sports and Physical Culture of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued an official statement regarding the cessation of activities of the basketball club "Astana", reports infohub.kz.
The department noted that in recent years, the club's performance on the international stage did not meet the set goals and expectations. Following the last season of the VTB United League, "Astana" finished last, 12th place, winning only two games out of 44. The loss rate exceeded 95%, which was the worst result in the club's history in the League. Moreover, for eight years the team failed to reach the playoff stage of this tournament.
The committee also added that on the domestic front, the basketball club "Astana" also did not achieve its goals, losing in the fight for the Kazakhstan Cup and failing to win the championship title in the National League.
The department recalled that last year, a law was adopted in the Republic of Kazakhstan aimed at improving the efficiency of sports financing. Its main provisions are focused on the priority development of national teams, the formation of a sports reserve, and a ban on financing foreign players from budget funds.
In the current circumstances, the possibility of revising approaches to the development of domestic basketball is being considered. The priority will be the development of the youth team, preparation of the sports reserve, and support for children's and youth sports.
Earlier, players of the professional basketball club "Astana" made a statement after the decision to close the main team. Also, media reported that the club will not participate in the VTB United League due to a budget shortfall.