On behalf of the President of Kazakhstan, chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva was presented with a state award. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The state award was presented by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva. The grandmaster was awarded the Order of Barys, II degree.
"Aida Balayeva noted Bibisara Assaubayeva's significant contribution to the development of domestic chess sports, the widespread promotion of intellectual games among young people, and the enhancement of Kazakhstan's prestige on the international arena," the statement said.
It is worth noting that Bibisara Assaubayeva has been world champion in blitz three times and entered the Guinness Book of Records as the youngest chess player to win this competition. She also recently achieved a brilliant victory at the prestigious Norway Chess super tournament in Norway.
The Order of Barys is awarded for special merits in strengthening statehood, public and socio-cultural activities, as well as for contributions to the development of cooperation between peoples and friendly relations between states.