On November 12, 2025, the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University hosted both team and individual tournaments in the national intellectual game Togyzkumalak for students of higher education institutions.
The competition, held for the second consecutive year as part of an emerging tradition, attracted great interest: about 300 applications were received from 14 universities in the city, and more than 200 students officially registered and took part in the tournament.
Among the participants were top players from the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University (QyzPU), the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the International University of Information Technologies, Satbayev University, and AlmaU.
The main goal of the tournament is to promote the national sport of Togyzkumalak, develop the intellectual abilities and horizons of young people, and identify the best athletes in Almaty.
At the opening ceremony, welcoming remarks were delivered by Erkyn Zhumankulova, Vice-Rector for Social Development and Student Affairs; Yergali Mukhitdinov, Honored Coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Federation of Kazakh Wrestling; and Ainur Zhakapbayeva, Honored Coach in Togyzkumalak, who wished participants success.
Ayzamat Kaldybayev, Director of the Togyzkumalak Federation of Almaty, emphasized the significance of the tournament: "This competition has already been held for two consecutive years. We organize a tournament among university students in both team and individual formats. Togyzkumalak is a profound game rooted in the spirituality of our people. In the future, we plan to take the tournament to the international level. It is a great honor for us to host such an event at a university with a rich history like QyzPU."
One of the participants, Anelya Abekenova, a first-year student of the Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology at QyzPU, shared her impressions: "When I entered the university, I didn’t expect Togyzkumalak to receive so much attention here. I trained for three hours a day. My goal is to win and represent QyzPU with dignity. It’s not difficult to combine studies and sports — the main thing is determination and support."
Meruert Khuatkyzy, a fourth-year student at the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism and a second-time participant, noted: "I have been playing Togyzkumalak since the 4th grade, and I have more than 10 years of experience. Thanks to this game, I’ve made many friends and expanded my circle of communication. Last year, I already took a prize-winning place and hope to win again."
Tournament Results (Team Competition):
• 1st place – Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism
• 2nd place – Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
• 3rd place – Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University
In addition, students who excelled in the individual competition were awarded prize places and diplomas.
The tournament, aimed at popularizing the national game and developing the intellectual potential of youth, will continue its tradition in the coming years.
