Kazakhstan athletics federation to pay Toksanbayeva prize money after shoe disqualification

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The Athletics Federation of Kazakhstan will pay Yasmina Toksanbayeva the prize money for her Asian Games gold medal in marathon race walking, despite her disqualification over shoe regulations. The federation announced it will cover the full winner's payout from its own funds regardless of the protest outcome. Toksanbayeva finished the 42.195 km event in 3:22:20 but was stripped of the medal after a post-race protest.
Key Facts
- Yasmina Toksanbayeva won the women's marathon race walk at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan with a time of 3:22:20 over 42.195 km.
- Toksanbayeva was disqualified and stripped of her gold medal after a protest concerning her ASICS shoes, which were not on the World Athletics approved model list.
- The Athletics Federation of Kazakhstan has filed an official protest and complaint against the disqualification decision.
- The federation will pay Toksanbayeva the full prize money for a champion from its own funds, regardless of the protest outcome.
Disqualification and Protest
Toksanbayeva's ASICS shoes passed the official pre-race inspection and the judges' panel allowed her to compete. The ASICS brand is on the World Athletics list of permitted footwear, but the specific model worn by Toksanbayeva was not included. The Kazakhstani side has already sent an official protest and complaint regarding the disqualification decision.
Federation's Financial Commitment
The Athletics Federation of Kazakhstan stated that Toksanbayeva remains a champion for the organization. The federation will pay all prize money stipulated for a winner from its own funds, independent of the protest review result. The announcement was made on the federation's official Instagram account on September 28, 2026.