International Luge Federation President Josef Fendt (centre) has received a visit from Kazakhstan National Federation counterpart Alexander Starkov at the world governing body’s office in Berchtesgaden in Germany ©FIL

International Luge Federation (FIL) President Josef Fendt has received a visit from Kazakhstan National Federation counterpart Alexander Starkov at the world governing body’s office in Berchtesgaden in Germany.

Among the topics discussed in the meeting, where Starkov was joined by former FIL Executive Board member Gennady Rodionov of Russia, was the situation surrounding luge in Kazakhstan.

The aim of the National Federation is to qualify athletes for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.

Kazakhstan were represented by just one luger at Sochi 2014 as Elizaveta Axenova ranked 28th out of 31 competitors in the women’s singles event.

Elizaveta Axenova was Kazakhstan's sole luger at Sochi 2014, competing in the women's singles ©Getty Images
Elizaveta Axenova was Kazakhstan's sole luger at Sochi 2014, competing in the women's singles ©Getty Images

The Kazakh city of Almaty fell narrowly short in its bid to be awarded the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics after losing by a 44 votes to 40 margin at the International Olympic Committee Session in Kuala Lumpur in July last year.

Almaty is due to host the 2017 Winter Universiade, however, as part of Kazakhstan’s attempts to invest in the development of elite athletes and boost its reputation and chance of hosting future World Championships and the Winter Olympics.

The Universiade, due to take place from January 29 to February 8, is set to feature competition in 13 disciplines, with nine venues used.

More than 2,000 athletes from 55 countries are expected to take part in the 28th edition of the winter version.