Sport in Kazakhstan: reforms, ambitions, and new heights

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01 May 2025 , 18:24

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by PARIMATCH

May 1, 2025

Kazakhstan is actively transforming its sports industry by combining legislative reforms, the development of mass sports, and breakthroughs on the international stage. In 2025, the country demonstrates not only an increase in the number of medals but also a systematic approach to creating a "sports nation".

1. Legislative Changes: A New Development Vector

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a comprehensive law that restructures state policy in sports. The main innovations include:

Priority sports — approved based on international achievements. The list includes Olympic, Paralympic, Asian disciplines, and national sports such as kazaksha kures.
Funding — budgetary resources are now allocated to four areas: elite sports, mass sports, state organizations, and infrastructure. Funding for foreign legionnaires at the expense of the state is prohibited.
National standards — unified requirements for athlete training have been introduced, emphasizing patriotism and traditional values.
These measures are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Kazakh athletes and creating a sustainable sports ecosystem.

2. Mass Sports: Successes and Challenges

According to the Sports Development Concept until 2029, the proportion of the population regularly engaged in physical culture has increased to 38.4%. However, challenges remain:

Infrastructure — 25% of sports facilities require modernization, especially in rural areas.
Presidential tests — despite the participation of 3.8 million people in 2022, only 18% successfully passed the standards due to their excessive complexity.
Authorities are focusing on mass events: bike rides, marathons, festivals. For example, in 2025, 30,000 events are planned, including the "Ұлы дала жорығы" — a republican marathon.

3. Elite Sports: Stars and Ambitions

UFC and MMA

Shavkat Rakhmonov — the main contender for the UFC welterweight title. His fight with Belal Muhammad could become historic for Kazakhstan.
Asu Almbayev — is fighting for the championship belt in the flyweight division. His victory over Steve Ertzeg on March 1 brought him closer to a title fight.
Boxing

Zhanibek Alimkhanuly — the WBO and IBF middleweight champion is preparing for an unification bout for the WBC title. His goal is to become the absolute world champion.
Winter Asian Games
In February, the Kazakhstan national team won 12 medals in Harbin, including 4 golds in biathlon and short track.

4. International Initiatives

Phygital Games of the Future 2026 — Kazakhstan won the right to host a unique tournament that combines traditional sports and esports. This event will strengthen the country's image as an innovative hub.
Participation in 100+ tournaments — from the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia to the World Games in China.

5. Future: Investments and Legacy

By 2029, it is planned to:

Build 50 new sports complexes.
Increase the proportion of the population engaged in sports to 45%.
Implement digital platforms for monitoring athlete training.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan is confidently moving towards the status of a regional sports leader. Reforms, talented athletes, and large-scale projects create the foundation for the "golden decade" of Kazakh sports. As President Tokayev stated: "Sports are not just medals, but the health of the nation, its spirit, and unity."

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