Ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games, taking place from 18 to 24 October in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, Kazakhstan’s national para team has received its first official mascot, Zhenis. It is the first official mascot in the history of the country’s national Paralympic team.
Zhenis is depicted as a caracal, also known as the steppe lynx. The choice is significant: the caracal is a rare species listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book. Known for its speed, endurance and adaptability, the animal represents Kazakhstan’s natural heritage as well as qualities associated with para athletes, including resilience, determination and the drive to move forward. The mascot also highlights the importance of protecting nature and respecting the country’s natural heritage.
One of Zhenis’s distinctive features is a sports prosthesis on one leg. This detail connects the mascot to para sport and reflects athletes’ perseverance and determination to reach their goals.
Zhenis is intended to support para athletes at national and international competitions, strengthen team spirit and raise public awareness of the Paralympic movement. The mascot will also serve as a recognizable symbol of the national team, bringing athletes and fans together around shared goals.
Created with the support of Vietjet Qazaqstan, the mascot was presented to the national team. The initiative aims to support Kazakhstan’s para athletes and raise the profile of their achievements on the international stage.
