Bishkek, Aug. 2, 2026. /Kabar/. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, along with the presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, took part in the opening ceremony of the Formula 1 World Powerboat Championship (UIM F1H2O) in the Issyk-Kul region, the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic reported.
First, the heads of state were introduced to the pilots participating in the water racing and the F1H2O car.
Opening the official part of the event, Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized that this is a truly significant event and that the country is hosting a stage of the Formula 1 World Powerboat Championship for the first time – the Kyrgyzstan Grand Prix.
This is one of the most prestigious, spectacular, and high-tech competitions in world sport.
"Hosting a championship of such a high level is a great honor for our country, a testament to its growing international prestige, and an important step in developing global sports cooperation," the president said.
Particularly emphasized was the participation of the heads of fraternal states – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.
"Your presence not only enhances this event but also underscores the high level of mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation between our countries.
Our countries are united not only by a shared history, cultural affinities, and centuries-old spiritual ties, but also by a shared desire to build a secure, stable, and prosperous future for our peoples," noted Sadyr Zhaparov.
He also briefly discussed the beginnings of the current championship. The head of state recalled that the agreement to hold this event was reached in March of this year during a meeting with Raffaele Chiulli, President of the International Powerboating Union.
"When deciding to host the Formula 1 World Championship, we never for a moment forgot our primary responsibility – to carefully preserve the unique natural environment of our country, uphold high environmental standards, and, most importantly, preserve Issyk-Kul in its pristine beauty for future generations," Sadyr Zhaparov emphasized.
This large-scale international event brought together 18 of the strongest Formula 1 H2O pilots representing 13 countries: the UAE, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Formula 1 is the highest international category of competition in single-seater high-speed racing boats. It was especially emphasized that the world's top pilots will compete for victory in the heart of Central Asia for the first time on Kyrgyz soil.
Located at an altitude of 1,607 meters above sea level, Issyk-Kul will be the highest-altitude track ever to host the Formula 1 World Championships. This will present completely new conditions for pilots, engineers, and technical teams.
The president specifically noted that Kyrgyzstan is confidently strengthening its position as a modern and dynamically developing state.
"Today, the world is discovering Kyrgyzstan in a new light. Tourism is one of the most important indicators of our country's competitiveness and its attractiveness on the international stage.
I am confident that this stage of the World Championship will be further clear confirmation of the consistency of our policy aimed at strengthening Kyrgyzstan's international standing," the head of state said.
He emphasized that it is not only the number of tourists visiting the country that is important. "We place paramount importance on the quality of tourism services, ensuring safety, developing modern infrastructure, and an atmosphere of genuine respect and hospitality.
Because hospitality is not just our good tradition. It is an integral part of the national character, spiritual heritage, and centuries-old culture of the Kyrgyz people, passed down from generation to generation," the president noted.
In this context, he outlined key projects, including the all-season ski cluster "Ala-Too Resort." This large-scale tourism project will unite modern ski infrastructure, hotel complexes, a transportation network, sports facilities, and recreation areas.
The total length of the Ala-Too Resort's pistes will eventually reach approximately 260 kilometers, placing it among the top ten ski resorts in the world with the longest piste network.
Another major project is the Tamchy Special Financial and Investment Zone, which in the coming years will become an international platform for attracting capital, developing digital and financial services, expanding hotel and tourism infrastructure, and fostering a modern ecosystem of innovative entrepreneurship and high-tech businesses.
It is expected that by 2035, more than 4,000 resident companies will operate within the Tamchy zone, creating over 10,000 new jobs.
Concluding his speech, President Sadyr Zhaparov wished the athletes success and expressed gratitude to the engineers, mechanics, coaches, rescuers, and team members, emphasizing that their high professionalism and hard work ensure the success of the competition and the safety of the participants.
Then, the heads of state pulled the symbolic trigger, marking the official start of the championship, and watched the UIM F1H2O racing cars race.
