Cholpon-Ata, May 3, 2025 /Kabar/. On the eve of the opening of the tourist season, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization international marathon “Run the Silk Road – 2025” was held in Cholpon-Ata town of Kyrgyzstan.
The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers said that Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic - Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev spoke at the grand opening of the event.
In his welcoming speech, he greeted the participants and guests of the SCO international marathon "Run the Silk Road - 2025". Torobaev emphasized that this event is not only a platform for sporting achievements, but also contributes to strengthening friendship between the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and also calls on citizens to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers noted significant progress in the development of sports in the country thanks to the active support of President Sadyr Zhaparov.
"In 2024, funding for the industry was doubled and amounted to 2 billion 141 million soms, and for 2025 it is planned to allocate 2 billion 445 million soms. The country is actively building new sports facilities, including the largest stadium in Central Asia that meets FIFA standards. Kyrgyz athletes demonstrate high results in the international arena, having won 835 medals in 2024,” he said.
Bakyt Torobaev also focused on the growing popularity of Kyrgyzstan as an attractive tourist destination. He expressed confidence that the unique nature and traditional hospitality of the local population will continue to attract sports and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
As part of the marathon, runners competed in the following distances: marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km and 3 km, as well as in Nordic walking.