On August 14, the official opening ceremony of the international ranking tournament Kazakhstan Open 2025 took place at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Astana. This G-1 category competition is being held in Kazakhstan for the first time in eight years and is included in the official World Taekwondo calendar.

The opening ceremony was attended by President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WT) Chungwon Choue, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerbol Myrzabosynov, President of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation (WT) Kudrat Shamiev, and President of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan Gennady Golovkin.

The tournament has brought together more than 750 athletes from 22 countries, including Olympic champions, world championship medalists, and leaders of the world rankings. The competition will last three days and will feature cadets, juniors, and seniors.

During the ceremony, in honor of the 70th anniversary of Mustafa Ozturk, the founder of the Taekwondo movement in Kazakhstan, and of Bekseit Tyulkiev, the first president of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation, traditional Kazakh shapans were presented to their children, Neslihan Ozturk and Yersunkar Tyulkiev.

“We are truly impressed by the hospitality, the level of organization, and the respect for sport. Here, culture and tradition blend in a wonderful way. We are happy to be here and hope that major tournaments will continue to be held in Kazakhstan. Thank you very much for this celebration!” said World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue.

A highlight of the ceremony was a performance by the famous Demo Team from the Republic of Korea. The team presented a spectacular show combining elements of national culture, outstanding taekwondo technique, and breathtaking acrobatic stunts, earning thunderous applause from the audience.

“It is a great honor and responsibility for us to host the Kazakhstan Open 2025. Today we are united not only by sports competition but also by the spirit of friendship and cooperation. I wish all participants good luck, bright victories, and unforgettable impressions. I am confident that the development of taekwondo in Kazakhstan will continue even more actively in the future,” emphasized Kudrat Shamiev, President of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation (WT).

The tournament will run until August 16.