Kazakhstan to host major international sporting events this summer

During the meeting, organizational matters related to several international tournaments scheduled to take place in Astana, Turkistan, Shymkent, and Aktau were reviewed.

Special attention was given to ensuring the safety of athletes and spectators, the readiness of sports infrastructure, logistics, medical support, accommodations for foreign delegations, and coordination between central and local government authorities.

Participants of the meeting discussed preparations for several major competitions, including:

• Astana 2026 World Boccia Cup in the capital city, featuring athletes from 25 countries;
• Asian Canoe Sprint Championships, expected to bring together around 350 athletes from 16 countries;
• International WT Taekwondo tournaments with approximately 1,600 participants;
• XXXV Gusman Kosanov Memorial athletics tournament, with about 250 athletes from 15 countries;
• Kurash World Championships, expected to host around 500 athletes from 50 countries;
• Central Asian WKF Karate Championships, involving around 700 athletes.

Deputy Minister Serik Zharasbayev emphasized the importance of organizing international competitions to the highest standards. He noted that hosting major sporting events strengthens Kazakhstan’s international sporting profile, supports the development of sports infrastructure, and promotes mass participation in sports nationwide.

Following the meeting, the responsible government authorities, sports federations, and event organizers were instructed to ensure timely, high-quality preparations for the upcoming international competitions.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that for the second consecutive year, Kazakhstan’s capital would be a key destination on the global esports calendar, hosting PGL Astana 2026, one of the world’s largest Counter-Strike 2 events, taking place May 15-17.