Famous Kazakh volleyball player Sabina Altynbekova harshly condemned a coach who hit a young athlete during a game in Pavlodar. She also called for reforming Kazakh volleyball after the scandal. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Altynbekova's stance

As the athlete wrote on Instagram, physical violence is unacceptable, as is psychological violence, such as bullying.

"It is necessary to thoroughly check coaches, including evaluating their behavior and methods of work. Unfortunately, in volleyball, some coaches lack basic culture of behavior. I think the federation needs to thoroughly check every coach. Many teams lack a doctor, let alone a psychologist. This case is a clear signal that it is time to revise the system as a whole!" Altynbekova wrote.

Circumstances of the incident

Earlier, Kursiv reported that at the Bayantau sports complex during the Kazakh children's and youth volleyball championship, the coach of the Shymkent team hit one of the athletes on the head with his hand. A video of the incident spread on social media.

The tournament organizers responded immediately. The organizing committee issued an official letter on the disqualification of the coach.

"During the game, the coach used physical force against a player (a girl). This behavior is indecent and grossly violates the norms of sports ethics and the status of a coach. Myrzabekov Khamit is not allowed to participate in competitions as a coach, has no right to be on the bench and in the match area," the decision of the public foundation "Qazaqstan Sport Liga Federation" states.

The Pavlodar region department has launched a pre-trial investigation into the use of physical force against a minor.

Law enforcement officers identified all participants in the conflict and brought them to the police department. Necessary investigative actions are being carried out to give a legal assessment of the coach's actions in accordance with the criminal and administrative legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The course of the investigation is under the personal control of the leadership of the regional police department.