For the first time, the Astana 2025 World Boccia Challenger international tournament is being held at the Palace of Martial Arts named after Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov in Astana. The competition is organized with the support of the International Boccia Federation (BISFed). Athletes from 12 countries are competing, and based on their performance, they will earn ranking points toward qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The solemn opening ceremony of this major sporting event was attended by President of the Boccia Federation of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, and Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov.
In his remarks, Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized that the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, pays great attention to building an inclusive society in the country and considers this area a top priority.
He also highlighted the significance of this large-scale international tournament, being held in Kazakhstan for the first time, and announced that 56 leading athletes from South Korea, Singapore, India, Italy, Iran, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries are taking part. Such a major event is clear evidence of the work being carried out in our country to develop Paralympic sports and ensure equal opportunities for all.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan is systematically working on the development of parasports. The updated law “On Physical Culture and Sports” introduced the concept of an “assistant for an athlete with disabilities,” which allows athletes with Group I disabilities to receive support when participating in sporting events. Additionally, this month, for the first time in Central Asia, the Conference and General Assembly of the Asian Paralympic Committee took place. Currently, 19 Paralympic sports are actively developing in Kazakhstan, with more than 800 events held annually.
The tournament is organized by the Boccia Federation of Kazakhstan with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Samruk-Kazyna JSC.
