Today, our university hosted the grand opening ceremony of a remarkable event dedicated to elevating the prestige of national sports — the Asian Asyk Atu Championship among adults.
The main goal of the competition is to promote traditional national sports, encourage the game of asyk among youth, and strengthen its authority on the international stage.
This landmark sporting event is being held with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as sponsorship from the “Samruk-Kazyna” Foundation and “SportQory.” A significant contribution to the organization of the championship was made by Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University.
Our university traditionally plays a leading role in promoting the national spirit and developing traditional sports among young people. By reviving national games, the university community contributes to strengthening national unity and realizing the ideals of spiritual renewal.
This year’s championship brings together national teams from 12 Asian countries and neighboring regions, including Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation (Republic of Sakha), China, India, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan.
At the opening ceremony, the Rector of the University and President of the Asyk Atu Federation of the Turkistan Region, Zhanar Temirbekova, delivered a welcoming speech, congratulating the participants and emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the national game:
“Asia is the cradle of human civilization, a great continent that has preserved its thousand-year history and rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It symbolizes shared values and deeply rooted traditions. Recently, our university rose by nine positions in the QS World University Rankings among Asian universities, reaching new heights. And today, one of Asia’s leading universities has the honor and responsibility of hosting the Asian Asyk Atu Championship. Asyk is an inseparable part of our people’s history — a reflection of our national identity. Among all types of sports, asyk atu holds a special place. This game teaches not only accuracy and agility but also fairness, honesty, friendship, and unity. I wish success to all athletes participating in this competition! May this tournament, held in the sacred city of Turkistan at the Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University — a symbol of integrity and justice — be a great success! I express my gratitude to the judges and organizers who contributed to the championship. Let our national spirit be revived and glorified, and may traditional sports flourish!”
Also addressing the audience were Zhomart Sabyrzhan, Vice President of the International Asyk Atu Federation, and Naim Belgin, a member of the Federation from Romania, who shared their plans and projects for promoting the traditional game on the international stage.
According to the championship program, men’s teams compete in the “Asyk Atu” discipline, while women’s teams participate in the “Bes Asyk” discipline. Over the course of two days, athletes will demonstrate their precision, agility, and skill.
Following the competition, the winners and prize holders will be awarded special cups, medals, and valuable prizes.
This championship not only contributes to the international recognition of Kazakhstan’s national sport but also serves as an important platform for strengthening friendship and cultural ties among the peoples of Asia.
It is worth noting that in 2017, the art of playing asyk was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage — a global recognition of its value. In 2018, asyk atu received official status as a national sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and in 2024, the International Asyk Atu Federation was established. Today, more than 15 countries are jointly developing and promoting this unique sport.
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