Dastan Mukashbekov

Started: He took up the sport at age 26 in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. (Athlete, 19 Aug 2021) Reason: He wanted to do sports from childhood but could not get involved due to his impairment. Eventually he learned about Para sports and took up Para athletics. "I have always loved sports, boxing and wrestling, but I felt that it was not for me, and my health did not allow it. However, I wanted to be a high-level athlete and nothing stopped me. I told myself, 'You can, if you want, and everything will work out'." (inkaraganda.kz, 20 Jul 2023; Athlete, 31 Oct 2019) Ambition: To win gold medals at the Paralympic Games and the world championships. (Athlete, 19 Aug 2021) Milestones: He became the first athletics competitor representing Kazakhstan to win a gold medal at the Asian Para Games when he was victorious in the men's F36 shot put at the 2022 Games in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. (SportsDeskOnline, 16 Jan 2024; paralympic.org, 30 Oct 2023) Awards: In 2019 he received the title of Master of Sport of International Class in Kazakhstan. (Athlete, 31 Oct 2019)