WADA welcomes additional contribution from Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan has made a significant financial contribution to WADA for use in the field of scientific research. This amount is additional to the Republic of Kazakhstan’s annual contribution to WADA, and was confirmed in a memorandum of understanding signed by WADA and the Ministry. 

In addition, WADA and the Government of Kazakhstan have entered into a hosting agreement to stage WADA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings in the central Asian republic’s capital, Astana, in November 2027, representing another significant investment by the public authority. These announcements follow a meeting yesterday (22 March 2026) between WADA President, Witold Bańka, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Yerbol Myrzabosynov, on the sidelines of the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships, being held in Toruń, Poland. 

WADA President, Witold Bańka, said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Minister Myrzabosynov on Sunday to discuss a range of matters related to clean sport in Kazakhstan, the broader Asia region and further afield. In particular, WADA is appreciative of the extra financial support we are receiving from our partners within Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This additional contribution will make a significant impact on anti-doping research globally, and I wish to thank the Minister and his colleagues in Government for helping to foster scientific advancement in this way.  

“I am also grateful for their offer to host our important Executive Committee and Foundation Board meetings next year – this represents a sizable financial and logistic commitment and shows how the Government of Kazakhstan is increasingly playing a leadership role for clean sport in the region. A crucial element of the success of the global anti-doping system is the strong support WADA receives from governments around the world. The trust they have in us to deliver on our mission is a huge encouragement.”  

Minister Myrzabosynov emphasized that Kazakhstan consistently adhered to the principles of fair competition and continually developed its anti-doping education system. He said: “Cooperation with WADA is of strategic importance to us. In Kazakhstan, we place a strong priority on fostering a culture of clean sport, strengthening international standards, and implementing best global practices. In addition, Kazakhstan not only supports but also actively implements anti-doping prevention and education programs.”  

Note: WADA’s core funding is sourced from the Olympic Movement and Governments of the world. Governments’ annual contributions are calculated through a regional split, which was agreed upon by public authorities shortly after the creation of WADA in 1999. The Olympic Movement matches Governments’ contributions up to 50% of WADA’s annual budget. These regular annual contributions are complemented by additional contributions from WADA stakeholders and by projects or partnerships with other organizations.