The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, visited the 12th International Military-Patriotic Youth Rally "Aibyn," held in Shchuchinsk, Akmola Region. The event's program featured military-sports, intellectual, creative, and military-applied competitions.

This year, the rally brought together over 50 teams from across Kazakhstan, as well as from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan.

Addressing the participants, the President noted that "Aibyn" fosters patriotism, strengthens the spirit, and helps young people develop a sense of responsibility for the future of their country. He emphasized that it is an educated, hardworking, and goal-oriented younger generation that will enhance Kazakhstan’s standing and lead the nation toward progress.

Reminding that the new Constitution comes into effect on July 1, ushering in a new stage of the country's development and already serving as the foundation for a large-scale modernization of state and public institutions, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the reforms are aimed at shaping Kazakhstan into a progressive, technologically advanced, and law-based state. He stated: "Our New Constitution is a moral and legal compass, a life guide that will orient all of us—but above all, the younger generation—toward achieving stability in our society and a dignified life for our citizens, grounded in respect for the law and the interests of the entire country."

Special attention in his speech was devoted to the modernization of the Armed Forces. As the President declared, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and modern training standards are being actively integrated into the military education system. He cited the Shokan Ualikhanov Military College as a successful example, noting that the institution is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has graduated over 4,500 specialist sergeants over its history.

The Head of State also announced the introduction of a new format for the key stages of military service—conscription, the swearing-in ceremony, and demobilization. These ceremonies will now be conducted with full official protocol, which, according to the President, will elevate the prestige of the armed forces and strengthen the continuity of generations.

The contribution of the "Zhas Sarbaz" movement, which unites more than 280,000 schoolchildren and students nationwide, was also highlighted. Many of its members later choose to serve in the military, law enforcement, and national security agencies.

The President underscored that the "Aibyn" military-patriotic rally has become a true school of patriotism, bringing together over a thousand young men and women. At the event, participants not only demonstrate physical fitness but also develop their intellectual and creative abilities, learn teamwork, and strengthen international friendships.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the competition winners and wished all participants good health, success, and loyalty to their military duty, adding: "Remain true to your military duty and honor! I wish you good health and success! May the sky over our sacred Motherland—Kazakhstan—be clear, and its future bright!"

Additionally, as part of his participation in the 12th International Military-Patriotic Youth Rally "Aibyn," the President of Kazakhstan toured the Shokan Ualikhanov Military College of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Head of State was shown the institution's capabilities and its modern material and technical infrastructure. The President visited the "Aibyn" obstacle course, modeled after the track used in the prestigious Dubai SWAT Challenge, where rally participants demonstrated their skills in overcoming specialized obstacles. He was also introduced to the Action Air training range for practical shooting, the Aibyn App digital platform for patriotic youth education, and the college library.

Particular attention was given to the educational laboratory building, where cadets train on modern domestically-produced simulation simulators. There, the Head of State was also shown the latest models of military equipment, including the Kazakhstani armored vehicle "Arlan," as well as cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle technologies.

At the end of the visit, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented the keys to a new bus to the Director of the Military College, Aibek Gabdrakhov.

It is worth noting that the Shokan Ualikhanov Military College is one of the country's leading military educational institutions. It was established by Presidential Decree on July 1, 1996, as the Ministry of Defense Cadet Corps. In 2000, it was named after the distinguished Kazakh scholar, educator, and officer Shokan Ualikhanov, and in 2020, the Cadet Corps was reorganized into the Military College.

During his working trip, the Head of State also visited the newly renovated ecopark in Shchuchinsk, which now features modern amenities for walking and sports activities. There, the President listened to kuis performed by young dombra players preparing for the celebration of National Dombra Day.

Afterward, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev toured the Burabay Arena sports palace. He inspected the table tennis hall, swimming pool, and gyms, and learned about the development of sports and tourism in the region. The sports complex offers training sections in six different sports.

During a meeting with prominent athletes from Akmola Region, the competitors expressed their gratitude to the President for his support of domestic sports.

Prepared by Almiya ASKAR