Kazakh track and field athlete Yasmina Toksanbayeva, whose gold medal from the 20th Summer Asian Games was annulled, has received a one-room apartment as a gift. The news was reported by infohub.kz.
The Athletics Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan published footage from a ceremony honoring athletes and coaches who achieved high results at the 20th Summer Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games.
The footage shows that the awardees received cash certificates of $6,000 and $10,000 depending on the medal. Yasmina Toksanbayeva was among those honored.
“The main event of the evening was the presentation of keys to a one-room apartment to Yasmina Toksanbayeva, who showed exceptional courage in the marathon distance. The apartment was provided on behalf of the federation and sponsors. The federation considers Yasmina a true champion of the Asian Games and the pride of the country,” the statement said.
Toksanbayeva herself posted a message in which she admitted she was very grateful for such a gift.
“I lack words and emotions to describe my feelings, I am incredibly happy to be recognized by my country and the federation. Thank you to everyone involved in today! This motivates me to move forward and grow!” Toksanbayeva reacted.
Recall that on September 27, Kazakh athlete Yasmina Toksanbayeva competed in the race walking marathon at the 20th Summer Asian Games. She finished first, but her result was later protested due to her footwear.
After proceedings, the athlete was disqualified, and the Kazakhstan team lost one gold medal. The federation later promised to pay her all the prize money предусмотренные for a champion.