Year: 2025

The first semi-finalist of the qualifying tournament of the Asia/Oceania Final Juniors Billie Jean King Cup zone was determined at the Beeline Arena National Tennis Centre in Shymkent.

In the quarterfinals, the Kazakhstan girls’ team under 16 won against the Indian team. In the first game, Yerkezhan Zhanatayeva won a strong-willed victory over Mundhe Arun in a two-hour battle – 6:7 (3:7), 6:4, 6:3. The decisive point for the Kazakhstan team was brought by Eva Korysheva, who confidently beat Aakhan Aakhan with a score of 6:1, 6:1.

Thus, the team from Kazakhstan has made it through ahead of schedule to the final stage of the Billie Jean King Junior Cup, which will be held in Chile in November 2025. In 2023, the Kazakhstani U16 girls’ team took 9th place at the final stage of the World Championship in Seville.

In the semi-finals of the selection, Yaroslava Shvedova’s team will meet the winners of the match between the teams of the Republic of Korea and Chinese Taipei tomorrow, May 16. Let us recall that in Group D, the Kazakhstan team took first place, beating the teams of China (2:1), Thailand (3:0) and the Philippines (3:0).

SOURCE: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and Verny Capital opened an 8,550sq/m community center which has been donated to the city of Kosshy. This is the second social project gifted by the Foundation to the city, after the establishment of a new secondary school in September 2023 for up to 1,500 students. The center contains a wide range of multi-purpose spaces, from educational hubs to sports facilities, and it is designed to be accessible by the entire local community. Several prominent figures attended the opening ceremony on 20 March 2025, including Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, Akmola region Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Dr. Almaz Sharman.

Photo Credit: BUF

$20 million investment

Bulat Utemuratov, Founder of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, said: “We are committed to supporting the development of modern and accessible infrastructure that improves the quality of life for communities across Kazakhstan. This community center employs leading global practices, creating a space where the residents of Kosshy can learn, engage, and thrive.”

The $20 million investment features a large sports hall with spectator seating, as well as outdoor sports facilities (including basketball, tennis, football and volleyball courts). The center also provides a variety of coworking spaces and educational facilities, including a 328-seat lecture hall and a library, and entertainment facilities like a cinema hall, multiple exhibition and conference rooms, creative studios, and workout areas.

Photo Credit: BUF

‘Residents can learn, engage and thrive’ – Bulat Utemuratov

There will be a wide range of events and educational sessions for children and adults alike, including chess, dance, robotics, and crafts. This center is a space where people will get to take part in social development, integration and community engagement.

The community center will provide residents with the opportunity to socialise, learn and have access to a mixture of other amenities. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has offered the city a community hub that will aim to be the driving force for future urban development.

Photo Credit: BUF