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Month: July 2025

Tennis Revolution in Kazakhstan: How Systemic Investment Is Creating Champions

Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has evolved from a promising tennis nation into a formidable contender on the global stage. Elena Rybakina’s Wimbledon triumph, Alexander Bublik’s steady rise, and a new wave of top-ranked juniors are no coincidence; they are the product of a long-term, meticulously executed strategy.

In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), explains how strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and a grassroots approach have fundamentally reshaped the country’s tennis landscape.

TCA: Kazakhstani tennis players have recently made headlines at top international tournaments. How would you assess Kazakhstan’s current standing on the global tennis map? Are the successes of Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik, as well as the emergence of top juniors, the result of systemic work or just coincidence?

Polskiy: Luck plays a role in any athlete’s career, but it’s fleeting. Kazakhstan’s results, among both professionals and juniors, are consistent, which points to a system that delivers. Over the past decade, we’ve seen numerous players ranked in the world’s top 30: Shvedova, Voskoboeva, Kukushkin, Golubev, Korolev, Nedovyesov, and more recently, Diyas, Putintseva, Danilina, Bublik, and, of course, Rybakina. Together, they’ve secured four Grand Slam titles, reached multiple singles and doubles finals, and won WTA 1000, 500, and ATP/WTA 250 tournaments.

Among the juniors, talents like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Amir Omarkhanov, and Sonya Zhienbayeva have ranked in the ITF Top 5 and Top 20. Our Under-14 and Under-18 national teams have reached the world’s top four and consistently defeated traditional powerhouses such as Australia, France, Italy, and Argentina. These results underscore the strength of Kazakhstan’s national coaching program and the Federation’s long-term vision.

In 2024, Kazakhstan had six players in the ITF junior Top 100, including three in the Top 50. Seven more under-14s were ranked in the Tennis Europe Top 100, more than Italy, currently the leader in that category. Notably, all 13 of these top-ranked juniors were born and raised in Kazakhstan, highlighting the success of a nationwide, structured development model that blends public support with private initiative.

TCA: What is the Federation’s strategic outlook for the next five to ten years? How extensive is the infrastructure, and are there plans to expand into smaller cities?

Polskiy: Since 2007, when businessman and philanthropist Bulat Utemuratov became the KTF president, Kazakhstan has built 38 major tennis centers, each with at least six courts, totaling 364 hard and clay courts nationwide. Over the past 17 years, more than $150 million has been invested in infrastructure. Hundreds of coaches have been trained, particularly for early childhood programs. The number of certified ITF coaches has nearly doubled in five years, now surpassing 400.

Infrastructure growth has significantly reduced training costs: hourly court rental has dropped from $50 in 2007 to just $10 today. Facilities now exist in 16 of the 18 regional capitals and smaller cities like Lisakovsk. Major complexes in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe, and Ust-Kamenogorsk each include six indoor and ten outdoor courts, allowing over 1,000 children per city to train regularly.

However, demand continues to outpace supply. In Astana and Almaty, each center maintains waitlists of 500-600 children. To meet this, new high-standard complexes are being constructed, including a 14-court facility in Almaty and another in Astana. Additionally, the Federation is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to introduce tennis in kindergartens and schools, ensuring access for children from remote regions.

International partners like Lexus play a crucial role, funding equipment and supporting coach education and certification. These partnerships help ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.

TCA: How well prepared is Kazakhstan’s coaching system to produce new stars? Is there still reliance on foreign specialists?

Polskiy: Our priority is developing local players and coaches. These go hand in hand: strong coaching develops talent, and working with top athletes enhances coaching expertise.

For example, last year, Eva Korysheva of Aktobe, coached by Pavel Tsoy, became Asia’s top U14 player and competed at the AO Elite Trophy in Australia. Traveling with her coach, Pavel gained firsthand experience of a Grand Slam-level event – a priceless opportunity.

We emphasize maintaining the bond between a player and their first coach. Seminars and educational initiatives support this, and when foreign experts are brought in, local coaches work alongside them. Former players like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Ayap Sagadat, and Zhansultan Chembotaev are now part of Team Kazakhstan, nurturing the next generation under international mentorship.

TCA: How many children currently play tennis in Kazakhstan? What support exists for regional talents?

Polskiy: More than 30,000 children now play tennis in Kazakhstan. Around 3,500 receive free training and participate in tournaments at no cost. Many regional teams benefit from free or discounted court time during off-peak hours.

The top 150 players under 14 are enrolled in a national development program. Another 32 older athletes receive full or partial funding through the Team Kazakhstan scholarship. Selection is based on national tournament performance and expert evaluations.

Team events like the U12 and U14 Kazakhstan Cups are central to talent discovery, as they energize coaches, motivate young athletes, and allow for the early identification of standout players. Inspired by Italy and Canada, the Federation has introduced talent ID systems across regional centers and continues to invest in hosting national and international tournaments. Families are essential partners, from logistics to emotional support, in building long-term success.

TCA: What are the national teams’ goals at events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup? What role do stars like Rybakina and Bublik play?

Polskiy: The men’s team aims to return to the Davis Cup World Group, while the women’s team is targeting victory in the Billie Jean King Cup. We believe both goals are realistic.

These victories inspire the next generation. Young players want to emulate Rybakina, Bublik, Putintseva, and Zhukayev. We host regular masterclasses, giving children the opportunity to meet, train with, and learn from these stars, boosting their confidence and drive.

TCA: Does Kazakhstan have a realistic shot at winning a Grand Slam or team world championship soon?

Polskiy: Absolutely. Elena Rybakina has already won Wimbledon. Yaroslava Shvedova holds two Grand Slam doubles titles. Anna Danilina has won in mixed doubles. Rybakina also finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, just shy of a medal.

Our national teams have beaten world-class opponents including Italy, Germany, Japan, Argentina, Switzerland, and Australia. With the right support and experience, we’re confident our near-wins will become titles.

TCA: How stable is the Federation’s funding? Who are the key backers?

Polskiy: Financial stability is one of our core strengths. Federation President Bulat Utemuratov supports KTF through personal investment and long-term partnerships. Our relative independence from government funding allows for consistent, long-term planning, unaffected by political or economic shifts.

A major milestone was acquiring the license to host an ATP 250 tournament in Kazakhstan. This annual event draws global attention and attracts new sponsors. For instance, Lexus backs the “Tennis for Life” initiative, KPMG supports wheelchair tennis, and numerous companies now sponsor junior tournaments and regional players.

TCA: What are the biggest challenges facing Kazakhstani tennis today? What goals have been set for the next five years?

Polskiy: Our immediate priorities include earning as many Olympic and Paralympic berths as possible, winning junior and senior Grand Slam titles, and capturing the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

Achieving these goals requires unity. That’s why we invest deeply in developing the Federation’s human capital, preserving institutional knowledge, building continuity, and enhancing our support infrastructure.

TCA: What message would you share with young players starting out in tennis?

Polskiy: Tennis mirrors life. On court, you make choices, face consequences, and grow through setbacks. A match isn’t over until the final point, so there’s always a chance to come back. Tennis shapes not just champions, but resilient individuals. Every loss is a lesson. The game is a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

Source: The Times of Central Asia

Bulat Utemuratov Foundation’s Jas Leader Program Empowers Over 40,000 Kazakh Students Ahead of Strategic Handover

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Jas Leader Akademiiasy program, launched by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation in 2021, has completed its pilot phase and its ongoing management will now be handed over to leading certified local organisations to drive further expansion. The initiative has served to cultivate the necessary skills for leadership, and aims to empower the youth of Kazakhstan.

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

What is the Jas Leader Program?

The reach of the program has been wide-ranging. Around 41,500 schoolchildren have taken part. The roll-out has reached 124 schools, spanning across 17 different regions of the country. The aspirational sessions pass on the values of confidence, teamwork, communication, and self-expression through hands-on, interactive learning. More than 200 teachers have been specially trained to deliver the curriculum and facilitate sessions, to students from Grade 5 all the way up to Grade 11.

Conducted as extracurricular workshops, the program features discussions on leadership, biographies of inspiring figures, games, group projects, and practical exercises designed to foster personal growth and mutual respect. One participant, Akzhan Bakytbekova, a Grade 11 student from I.V. Panfilov School-Lyceum No. 5, shared:”Jas Leader became more than just a class. I learned how to speak openly, collaborate in a team, and truly listen to others. In one activity, we had to stand together on an ever-shrinking sheet of paper, we had to support each other not to fall. It may seem simple, but it taught us about trust and unity. That’s what the whole program is about.”

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

‘We are proud’ – Bulat Utemuratov Foundation CEO

Each academic year culminated in the Jas Leader forum in Almaty, which brought together the most engaged participants from across the country. The most recent event,  in July 2025 at Tau Samal summer camp, brought together over 200 teenagers for a three-day experience that included training sessions, excursions, and sports activities. Notable Kazakhstani personalities including documentary filmmaker Aliya Ashim, performer Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov joined the forum to share their stories.

“From 2021 to 2025, Jas Leader empowered tens of thousands of students to gain practical skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. “We are proud to hand over the program to trusted local institutions so that even more children across the country can benefit from this transformative experience.”

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bulat-utemuratov-foundations-jas-leader-program-empowers-over-40-000-kazakh-students-ahead-of-strategic-handover-302507884.html?tc=eml_cleartime

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