600 athletes take part in the republican freestyle wrestling competitions among juniors in the capital. The tournament, dedicated to the memory of the Olympic, world and European champion, Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, is being held for the fourth time. 

The opening ceremony of the competition was attended by the champion of the Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling, multiple winner of the World and Asian Championships, Honored Master of Sports of Kazakhstan Yuri Melnichenko, deputy head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of Astana Erkegali Korbozov, state coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan in freestyle and women's wrestling Dastan Kanatkanov and vice-president of the Greco-Roman, freestyle and women's wrestling federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan Dauren Zhabasov. 

“Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov has become an example for all of us. I believe that the tournament, which is being held in Astana for the fourth time, is a tribute to a glorious athlete, a hardworking citizen, and a people's patriot. This year, 600 young wrestlers are taking part in the competition, which is a large figure. Thanks to such competitions, tomorrow wrestlers will grow up who will defend the honor of the country at international competitions. I wish good luck to all teenage athletes who came to the capital,” said Olympic champion, head coach of the Kazakhstan national Greco-Roman wrestling team Yuri Melnichenko. 

In competitions among children born in 2009-2011 and 2012-2014, winners and prize-winners are determined in 30 weight categories. 

“I am very glad that I came to the tournament named after Olympic champion Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov. There are a lot of children. It turns out that there are about 40 children weighing 39 kg that I am struggling with. I won my first fight myself. I would like there to be many such competitions,” says Kaisar Kali, a participant from the Atyrau region.

According to the organizers, one of the distinctive features of this year was that the tournament was held at the republican level, young athletes had the opportunity to participate without any selection.

The winners and runners-up of each age group will be awarded diplomas and medals.