Kazakhstan Open 2025 taekwondo tournament opens in capital Astana

Up to 750 athletes, from cadets to adults, from 22 countries, including Afghanistan, Canada, France, Türkiye, the U.S., China, and so on, gathered to see their flags raised in an opening ceremony held at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace. Ranking points and 15.8 million tenge in money prize are up for grabs at the tournament.

This tournament is a step in promoting taekwondo and enhancing international sports ties. Participation of athletes from different countries proves that sport is a universal language of friendship and mutual understanding, says boxing legend and president of the Kazakhstan National Olympic Committee Gennady Golovkin.

During the ceremony, Golovkin smashed a board with one hit in taekwondo style.

During the opening of the event, the World Taekwondo Demonstration Team - Golden Buzzer winners and finalists of America's Got Talent (AGT) Season 16, delivered their trademark high-flying performance.

Holding Kazakhstan Open in Astana is our contribution to the promotion of taekwondo in the country and strengthening of international sports dialogue, says president of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation Kudrat Shamiyev.

Set to run through August 16, the tournament will be held under the latest international rules using the KPNP K-2 system. For the first time in Kazakhstan, advanced electronic gloves from KPNP will be introduced to provide more accurate strike detection.

To note, Kazakhstan’s Taekwondo Federation has already secured the right to host the 2026 Grand Prix Final. Kazakhstan also plans to bid for the 2027 World Taekwondo Championships.