Asian Games berths at stake: Almaty set to host two wrestling tournaments
From May 8 to 17, the best wrestlers from across Kazakhstan will gather in Almaty. The Ardager Alany International Tournament will kick off first, with the Kazakhstan Cup following after, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Ardager Alany Tournament will feature competitors from 11 countries, ranging in age from 18 to 70. Competitors will vie for a prize fund of 17 million tenge, as well as the opportunity to showcase their skills, honor a rich history, and contribute to the development of wrestling.
This year, the program will be even more vibrant and spectacular. A special museum exhibition dedicated to the life and achievements of Kazhymukan Munaitpassov will be on display for spectators and participants, offering guests a chance to learn more about the great wrestler's legacy and contribution to the sport.
"We are paying tribute to the great legacy of Kazhymukan Munaitpassov – the first world champion in classical wrestling from our country. Especially important is that experienced veterans and young athletes will meet on the same mat – this is how the spirit of wrestling, the school, and the values of our sport are passed down. I would also like to highlight the contribution of the tournament's driving force, sponsor, Yerlan Malayev. Thanks to such people, traditions are preserved, the veterans' movement develops, and the future of our national wrestling is shaped," said Omarkhan Aliyev, President of the Almaty Wrestling Federation.
After the Ardager Alany Tournament, Almaty will host the Kazakhstan Wrestling Cup from May 12 to 17, featuring three wrestling disciplines. The competition will determine which athletes will represent the country at the Asian Games and the World Championships. Around 800 athletes from all regions of the country are expected to compete.
"In Greco-Roman wrestling, fans' attention will be on Paris Olympic silver medalist Demeu Zhadrayev and world champion Aidos Sultangali. In freestyle wrestling, the national team's leaders will take to the mat, including Asian and world championships medalist Nurkkozha Kaipanov, as well as world champion and Asian Championships medalist Rizabek Aitmukhan. In women's wrestling, Rio Olympic bronze medalist Elmira Syzdykova and four-time world championship medalist Zhamila Bakbergenova will compete for medals. The main feature of this year's Cup is that athletes who become the best in their weight categories will qualify for the Asian Games and the 2026 World Championships, earning the right to defend the honor of Kazakhstan on the international stage," the Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation announced.
Qazinform News Agency reported earlier that a wide range of national and international tournaments in winter, traditional, and summer sports will take place across Kazakhstan in May.
