AÑSA Foundation Supports the Third Kazakhstan Boccia Cup: Championship Results Announced

Held from November 9 to 14 at the “Aspan” Sports Complex, the tournament became the largest in its history: 120 athletes from 15 regions and three cities of national significance competed for medals in individual, pair, and team events.

Boccia is a Paralympic sport designed for individuals with severe motor impairments. It develops strategic thinking, precision, and emotional resilience. The game demands intense focus, as athletes take turns throwing leather balls, aiming to place them as close as possible to the white target ball, known as the “jack”.

Record Participation and a New Level of Performance

While only 40 athletes took part in the Boccia Cup in 2023, this year that number has tripled. This growth reflects the rapid development of boccia across the country: regional federations are being established, specialized training groups are operating, and a stronger professional foundation is emerging.

“The defining feature of this year’s Cup is its scale. We’re seeing more athletes, stronger competition, and fresh new names”, said Diana Moldakhmetova, head coach of Kazakhstan’s national boccia team. “Our players are showing real progress in tactics, strategic thinking, and technique. It’s impressive”.

The tournament featured two age categories - juniors aged 11 to 14 and adults aged 15 and older. Regional qualifying rounds were held in advance to ensure the best athletes were selected to represent their areas in the capital.

Organizers and Partners

The Boccia Cup was organized by the Kazakhstan Boccia Federation with the support of the Center for Sports Training for Athletes with Disabilities and the Astana Department of Sports. The tournament was backed by key partners: the private AÑSA Foundation (established by Vyacheslav Kim), the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Samruk-Kazyna, and the Sport Qory Foundation.

According to Murat Zhumanbai, Executive Director of AÑSA Foundation, supporting the development of parasports is a long-term and important mission for the organization.

“Our founder, philanthropist and entrepreneur Vyacheslav Kim, has set a clear objective: to contribute to the development of Kazakhstani society through impactful social and sports initiatives. It is a great honor for us to support the growth of parasports and help boccia athletes succeed on the international stage. We believe greater victories and achievements lie ahead”, he emphasized.

Boccia as a Space for Inclusion

In Kazakhstan, the official development of boccia began in 2021 with the establishment of the national Federation. Today, local clubs are opening across the regions, teams are being formed, and athlete training is becoming increasingly structured. For the past two years, the Federation has been hosting tournaments where children with disabilities play alongside their peers without disabilities.

“It’s important to highlight the benefits this sport brings to children with special needs. When they play with their classmates, they experience positive emotions and joy. There’s also strong interaction among parents. Most importantly, these children receive emotional support. What matters most is that our society’s perception of people with disabilities is gradually changing - they are beginning to be seen as equals. They compete on equal terms, and that makes us very happy”, emphasizes Diana Moldakhmetova.

The Federation works closely with parents, psychologists, and coaches to create a safe, supportive, and motivating environment.

A Step Toward International Sport

The winners of the Cup will join the national team and gain the opportunity to compete internationally, earn ranking points, and represent Kazakhstan on the global stage.

Each tournament marks a new stage in the development of a sport that, just a few years ago, was entirely new to Kazakhstan and today unites hundreds of children and adults across the country.

Winners and Medalists of the Cup

The tournament concluded with a vibrant and emotional awards ceremony. In the team standings, athletes from Almaty emerged as the leaders. Astana confidently secured second place, while Zhambyl Region finished in third.

The strongest athletes in each category were determined across individual, pairs, and team events.

Winners and medalists received medals and certificates from the Boccia Federation of Kazakhstan. Representatives from partner organizations that supported the tournament also took part in the award ceremony.

Podium Results

BC1F
1st place: Zarina Araslanova (North Kazakhstan Region)
2nd place: Alina Karamysheva (Almaty)
3rd place: Inkar Abitai (Almaty)

BC1F Juniors
1st place: Aizere Kuryshbekova (Aktobe)

BC1M
1st place: Albert Urazgaliyev (Atyrau)
2nd place: Meirbek Urazbek (Astana)
3rd place: Kuanysh Askarbekov (Zhetysu)

BC1M Juniors
1st place: Elkhan Shakirov (Astana)
2nd place: Bekarys Zharmukhambet (Aktau)
3rd place: Nurasyl Amangeldy (Aktobe)

BC2F
1st place: Marua Radilova (Abai Region)
2nd place: Meruert Tlebaldy (Astana)
3rd place: Aruzhan Sarmantaeva (Pavlodar)

BC2F Juniors
1st place: Zhanerke Orynbasarkyzy (Aktobe)
2nd place: Ayanat Masalimova (Pavlodar Region)
3rd place: Nesibeli Bazarbai (Aktobe)

BC2M
1st place: Nurzhan Maykenov (Pavlodar)
2nd place: Alexander Kurmantaev (Pavlodar)
3rd place: Eldar Grebnev (Almaty)

BC2M Juniors
1st place: Amantai Batkhanov (Zhetysu Region)
2nd place: Erzhan Ruslanuly (Pavlodar Region)
3rd place: Zholaman Zholdabai (Aktobe)

BC3F
1st place: Dilafruz Mahamadulloyeva (Zhambyl Region)
2nd place: Gulzira Muratkhyzy (Atyrau)
3rd place: Nazgul Isakova (Zhambyl Region)

BC3F Juniors
1st place: Aisha Urazalova (Almaty)

BC3M
1st place: Temirlan Altynsary (Astana)
2nd place: Yaroslav Osipenko (Astana)
3rd place: Stanislav Sufyanov (Pavlodar Region)

BC3M Juniors
1st place: Aisultan Mukhan (Almaty)
2nd place: Izmukhammad Sagy (Atyrau)
3rd place: Ardak Altynbasov (Aktau)

BC4F
1st place: Akziyash Taubaldiyeva (Almaty)
2nd place: Elmira Musralieva (Almaty)
3rd place: Aigerim Tanisbayeva (Zhambyl Region)

BC4M
1st place: Azamat Ayazbayev (Almaty)
2nd place: Zhasulan Kabdulov (Atyrau)
3rd place: Akzhol Berikbolsyn (Turkestan)

BC4M Juniors
1st place: Madiyar Muratkhan (Zhetysu)
2nd place: Damir Alimzhan (Mangystau Region)

BC3 Pairs
3rd place – Aktobе
2nd place – Astana
1st place – Zhambyl Region

BC4 Pairs
2nd place – Zhambyl Region
1st place – Almaty

Winners of the Team Events at the Kazakhstan Boccia Cup
3rd place – Karaganda Region
2nd place – Mangystau Region
1st place – Astana