Astana, Kazakhstan, June 25, 2025: The Kazakhstan National Olympic Committee celebrated International Olympic Day 2025 by participating in a number of sports and educational activities.
These activities held in June were designed to promote sports, encourage active lifestyles and foster Olympic values.
In the lead-up to Olympic Day on Monday, June 23, the final stages of the National School League were held across 10 sports. Tournaments in basketball, volleyball, table tennis and handball took place in Astana.
A children’s ice hockey tournament was also held in the capital, organised by Kazakhstan NOC, Kazakhstan Ice Hockey Federation, Astana’s Department of Physical Culture and Sports and Youth Sports School No. 10. Four teams participated, featuring young players born in 2017-2018.
The Astana Half Marathon 2025 also took place attracting runners from 32 countries. Vitaliy Shafar from Ukraine won the men’s division while host nation’s Dana Aidosova won the women’s race.
Olympic-themed lessons were held in schools in Almaty and Astana, featuring prominent Kazakhstan athletes. Olympic swimming champion Dmitriy Balandin and Olympians Ayana Zholdas, Alexandra Nemich, Ilya Golendov and Aiza Mambekova spoke with students about their careers, challenges, achievements and the role of sport in life.
“It was a pleasure to share my journey in sports. I hope I inspire the students to pursue sports, aim high and stay committed to their goals despite challenges,” said Balandin, winner of the men’s breaststroke gold medal at Rio 2016.
As part of an educational initiative, a summer school for physical education teachers was held in Astana. Over several days, educators from Kazakhstan attended lectures and seminars organised in collaboration with experts from the Korea Institute of Sports Science (KISS).
Aquatic sports – synchronised swimming exhibitions and a water polo competition – and triathlon was also staged in the capital.
The Kazakhstan NOC also held a Born on Olympic Day campaign where new-borns across the country were congratulated and given special gift sets carefully prepared by athletes.
“Olympic Day is a chance not only to celebrate sporting achievements but also to show that sports begin with simple steps – school lessons, youth tournaments and fun runs. Everyone has an equal opportunity to join the Olympic family,” said NOC Secretary General Alimzhan Akayev.
