This week in Central Asia, Kazakhstan celebrated boxing and tennis successes alongside major financial and diplomatic events. Kyrgyzstan named the snow leopard a national symbol and earned global sports victories. Uzbekistan advanced World Cup preparations and oncology partnerships, while Turkmenistan deepened ties with Finland and Japan. Tajikistan marked historic wins in MMA and rowing, and Azerbaijan prepared for world athletics and boosted U.S. cooperation on transit.
Kazakhstan
Torkekhan Sabyrkhan reaches World Championship Semifinals in the UK
Kazakh boxer Torkekhan Sabyrkhan advanced to the semifinals of the World Championship in Liverpool after defeating French opponent Makan Traore in the 70 kg category. His victory guarantees him at least a bronze medal in his first appearance at the senior World Championship. Alua Balkibekova also secured a podium finish in the women’s 51 kg category after winning her quarterfinal bout.
Source: zakon.kz
Barys defeats Amur and tops KHL Eastern Conference
Astana’s Barys secured a 4:3 shootout victory over Amur Khabarovsk in the KHL regular season match, climbing to first place in the Eastern Conference standings. After trailing 0:2, Barys staged a comeback with goals from Riley Walsh, Kirill Savitsky, and Emil Galimov before sealing the win in the shootout.
Source: zakon.kz
Astana Finance Days 2025 brings together global leaders with $1.5 trillion in assets
Astana Finance Days, held on September 4-5, gathered over 5500 participants from 82 countries, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a key financial hub for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The forum featured major announcements, including Kazakhstan’s first social bonds, an Islamic sukuk issue, a dual IPO with Hong Kong, and the world’s first Solana ETF with staking functionality.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kazakhstan’s Zangar Nurlanuly enters ITF Junior top 25 after US Open Run
Seventeen-year-old Kazakh tennis player Zangar Nurlanuly climbed 29 spots in the latest ITF junior rankings to reach 25th place after reaching the semifinals of the US Open Junior Championships. Other Kazakh juniors also improved their standings, with Amir Omarkhanov holding 28th place, Damir Zhalgasbay rising to 65th, and Daniel Tazabekov ranked 122nd.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan sign Water-Energy Agreement through 2026
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed protocols on September 7 in Cholpon-Ata to regulate the region’s water and energy balance until 2026. The deal ensures water releases from the Toktogul reservoir in exchange for electricity supplies, while also covering power transit from Russia to Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan. Officials noted the agreements will stabilize irrigation water supply, reduce energy risks, and support agriculture in southern Kazakhstan.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan officially adopts Snow Leopard as National Symbol
Kyrgyzstan has designated the snow leopard as a national symbol to be used at the state level, following a decree by President Sadyr Japarov. Authorities aim to strengthen cultural identity while boosting efforts to protect the endangered species through expanded protected areas, habitat monitoring, and anti-poaching measures. The snow leopard, long revered in Kyrgyz nomadic traditions, symbolizes beauty, strength, and freedom.
Source: timesca.com
Kyrgyz athlete Islam Narynbekov wins gold at U.S. and Pan American Kettlebell Championships
Islam Narynbekov of Kyrgyzstan claimed gold at both the U.S. Championship and the Pan American Games in kettlebell sport, competing with 32-kg kettlebells. A four-time national champion and 2024 world champion, Narynbekov called the victory a great honor and valuable experience, praising the strong sporting atmosphere.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyz athlete Adil Amangeldiev wins World Grappling Title at AIGA World Cup
Adil Amangeldiev from Kyrgyzstan became world champion in grappling at the AIGA World Cup 2025, held September 5-7 in Tashkent. Competing in the under-73 kg category for athletes aged 16-17, he won four matches, including a 1:0 victory over a Russian opponent in the final.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, FIFA deepen partnership as National Team Prepares for 2026 World Cup
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met FIFA President Gianni Infantino on September 8, discussing expanded cooperation in football development following Uzbekistan’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Talks focused on talent development, training of coaches and referees, and hosting major tournaments, alongside the opening of a FIFA regional office in Tashkent. Uzbekistan also highlighted the success of recent reforms, including the creation of a modern National Football Center with FIFA support.
Source: gov.uz
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, Japan’s JBIC explore new areas of economic cooperation
On September 5, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Kazuhiko Amakawa, Deputy President of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation JBIC, to discuss expanding Turkmenistan — Japan economic ties. Talks highlighted investment opportunities, diversification of natural gas development, and the strong role of Japanese companies in Turkmenistan’s economy. Both sides expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis.
Source: mfa.gov.tm
Tajikistan
Tajik fighter Saimumin Madiev wins at Octagon 78 in Almaty
On September 9, Tajik MMA fighter Saimumin Madiev, known as “Metro Lyublino”, claimed a technical knockout victory over Azerbaijan’s Elmir Jafarov at the Octagon 78 tournament in Almaty. With this win, he extends his streak and strengthens his position as one of the region’s rising MMA contenders.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajikistan’s Muhammadi Radjabov wins historic bronze at World Rowing Championships
Tajik rower Muhammadi Radjabov earned a bronze medal at the World Rowing and Canoeing Championships in Gyor, Hungary, becoming the first athlete from independent Tajikistan to reach the podium at the junior world level. Competing in the 14.4 km C-1 canoe among juniors, Radjabov placed third against athletes from more than 40 countries.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani sprinter to compete at the World Championships
Azerbaijan will be represented at the World Athletics Championships, which begin on September 13 in Tokyo. Sprinter Alham Nagiyev will compete in the 200-meter distance.This season, he has shone on the international stage: winning the 100m and 200m at the European Team Championships in Slovenia, and later claiming victory in the 200m at the Balkan Championships in Greece with a time of 20.70 seconds — a new personal best.
Source: 1news.az