Research scientist Hanumantula Jeevan Rao has been unanimously elected as the Honorary President of the Republican Public Association – Kazakhstan Kabaddi Federation, with the aim of strengthening the ties between the two countries. The decision to appoint Rao was made at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Federation held in July in Astana, Kazakhstan, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. Rao, a research scientist in aerospace engineering at Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan, is well-known for his contributions to aerospace engineering and innovation. His appointment is anticipated to further enhance ties between the two countries in sports, technology, and youth development. An award-winning scientist, he has received accolades such as the Young Engineer Award 2024-25 and has been featured in both the Indian Book of Records and the International Book of Records for his achievements in science, technology, and innovation. The Kazakhstan Kabaddi Federation acknowledged Rao’s significant contributions to the development and promotion of sports, as well as his efforts in popularising the Kabaddi game in Central Asia. The Federation aims to expand the reach of Kabaddi through training, competitions, and exchange programmes. Upon his appointment, Rao expressed his commitment to strengthening the cultural and sporting ties between India and Kazakhstan, while promoting Kabaddi as a sport that unites communities and inspires youth. Rao will collaborate with Sergey Tsyrulnikov, a Goodwill Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and a multiple Guinness World Records holder. Tsyrulnikov is also an official ambassador of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Republic of Kazakhstan, the release added. (With PTI Inputs)