Below is the translation of Adam Kesher’s post from the Russian-language blog.

As Xxrock informed recently, the Government of Kazakhstan came out with the unexampled initiative to hold Asian Olympics in 2011 not only in Almaty, but also in the new capital – Astana. The Minister of Tourism and Sports has met with Asian Olympics Steering Committee. As it was reported yesterday, the leadership of this sports federation has approved the ambitions of Kazakhstan.

To be more specific, both opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Asian Olympics in 2011, as well as competitions on ice will take place in Astana, while skiing, tobbogan sports, biathlon and skyflying competitions are to be held in Almaty.

Preliminary budget of the Asian Olympics is expected to be more than $1 bln. Almaty administration states that “they have no decadent feelings” and the Organizing Committee continues its work. Ice arenas at the Medeo alpine skating rink and Sports Palace will be reconstructed before the Asian Olympics regardless of the new plan. Besides, Almaty still plans to bid for the right to host Winter Olympics-2018.

Such governmental initiative is explained by the necessity to promote an international PR for the new capital – the incumbent president’s “pet city”. Possibly, such split of the Games will positively influence on the inflow of tourists to Astana. It is also most likely that Air Astana, the civil aviation monopolist, will be in the money, since the fans will be literally torn between the pompous ceremonial events in Astana and most entertaining sports competitions in Almaty.