Month: October 2026

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World tennis star Andrey Rublev met with ten children from the Asyl Miras Autism Center during the Almaty Open ATP 250 tournament. The initiative, organised by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), continues a longstanding tradition of bringing professional players together with children from Asyl Miras center. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation runs 13 autism centers across 12 cities in Kazakhstan, providing free, comprehensive support to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation

“It is particularly important to us that children with ASD have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of life, including sports. Meetings like these help broaden the understanding of inclusion not only among children but also throughout society. Spending time with professional athletes is a meaningful experience for the children and another step toward creating a more open and inclusive environment,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

On the court, Rublev and children took part in adapted ball-and-racket exercises, accuracy drills, and other activities designed by specialists from Asyl Miras and the KTF to ensure every child could discover tennis in a relaxed and engaging way. The event gave the children a chance to experience something new and take part in a shared sporting activity, while allowing Rublev to learn more about autism and how to interact with children with ASD.

“It was a great experience. First of all, it’s always a pleasure to spend time with children. They teach you so much, and there’s always something special about being part of that playful atmosphere. My mother is also a tennis coach, so I’ve been on the court since I was very young and grew up watching how coaches work with young children. Every charitable initiative is incredibly meaningful, and everyone connects with it in their own way. But the most important thing is simply to do something good,” said Andrey Rublev.

Professional tennis players have supported the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation’s initiatives on numerous occasions. Over the years, Asyl Miras Autism Centers have welcomed Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Bublik and many others. Continuing this tradition, Rublev presented the children with tennis rackets after the event so they could continue playing tennis and putting their newly acquired skills into practice.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/andrey-rublev-meets-children-from-the-bulat-utemuratov-foundations-asyl-miras-autism-center-302914334.html

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kazakhstan is proud to have hosted the annual World Tennis General Assembly in Almaty from 10 to 13 October. Held in Central Asia for the first time, the event brought together leaders and representatives of national federations, international and continental tennis organisations, industry experts and partners.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

Meetings of the World Tennis Board of Directors were held on 10-11 October. More than 262 delegates from 137 countries participated in panel sessions and voting proceedings from 11 to 13 October.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

The ceremony began with the address from the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the participants of the General Assembly. The presidential address was delivered by the Mayor of Almaty, Darkhan Satybaldy, who also officially opened the Assembly.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

World Tennis President David Haggerty was awarded Kazakhstan’s Order of Dostyk, Second Degree. The award was presented by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in recognition of Haggerty’s longstanding contribution to the development of tennis and the strengthening of international cooperation through sport.

Hosting the assembly in Almaty reflects the international tennis community’s strong confidence in Kazakhstan and the growing standing of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, led by World Tennis Vice President Bulat Utemuratov.

For Almaty, the forum offered an opportunity to showcase the city’s sports infrastructure and tennis traditions to representatives from 137 countries. The assembly facilitates the exchange of expertise, direct dialogue between federation leaders and the development of new international partnerships.

During the General Assembly, World Tennis President David Haggerty presented Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, with the Award for Services to the Game. The award recognises outstanding, long-standing contributions to the development and promotion of tennis internationally. This recognition reflects Bulat Utemuratov’s many years of work in developing tennis in Kazakhstan, building modern sports infrastructure, supporting young talent and strengthening the country’s position in the global tennis community.

This award came alongside Kazakhstan’s coach education system being recognised at Gold level an outstanding recognition of the country’s coaching programmes.

The centrepiece of the programme was the World Tennis General Assembly meeting on 13 October.

The General Assembly is a major forum for discussing the development of tennis worldwide. Participants addressed ways to make the sport more accessible, develop junior tennis, improve sports infrastructure, train coaches and officials, and organise international competitions.

Particular attention was given to supporting national federations and strengthening international cooperation. Delegates reviewed progress, discussed strategic initiatives and identified priorities that will guide the development of tennis across countries and regions.

“Hosting this crucial assembly shows the vital role Kazakhstan is playing in global tennis and is a testament to the hard work of everyone at the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation. It was a pleasure to host my fellow representatives and work on the issues that will shape the future of tennis across the globe” said Bulat Utemuratov President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation and Vice President of the International Tennis Federation.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/almaty-hosts-world-tennis-general-assembly-shaping-the-future-of-global-tennis-302910120.html

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Tennis has officially recognised the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation’s coach education system at Gold level. The recognition confirms that the system meets international quality standards and is valid until 31 December 2030.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of the documentation submitted by the Federation. Kazakhstan’s coach education system has met all the criteria established by World Tennis and its Coaches Commission for Gold-level recognition.

Photo Credit: Kazakhstan Tennis Federation

Gold status confirms that the Federation can independently provide coach education and certification up to High Performance level, equipping coaches to work with high-level athletes. This recognition demonstrates that the education system meets international requirements for training quality and professional coaching competencies.

In an official letter dated 9 October 2026 and addressed to Kazakhstan Tennis Federation President Bulat Utemuratov, World Tennis Executive Director for International Relations and Development Erik Poel congratulated the Federation on achieving Gold status.

The recognition also grants the Federation the right to use the World Tennis logo on its coach education materials and resources, including coach licence cards.

Achieving Gold-level recognition marks an important outcome of the Federation’s sustained work to develop coach education. Training qualified professionals provides a foundation for improving the quality of coaching, developing children’s and junior tennis, and supporting the continued progress of Kazakhstani players.

Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation said: “I’m incredibly proud that the Federation has achieved this recognition. We’ve invested significantly in our coaching programmes and it is great to see the results of that.

“We have brilliant coaches across Kazakhstan and this recognition will further support their work as we look to develop the next generation of talent. I’d like to personally thank everyone involved for their hard work.

“We’ve seen our current stars achieve amazing feats recently and this recognition and our outstanding coaching system will allow this to continue.”

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kazakhstans-coach-education-system-awarded-gold-level-recognition-by-world-tennis-302908698.html?tc=eml_cleartime

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Beeline Kazakhstan, in partnership with Starlink Mobile, is launching satellite mobile connectivity based on Direct to Cell technology. The technology will allow users to access selected communication services on compatible smartphones beyond the coverage of terrestrial mobile networks.

The introduction of Starlink Mobile is the result of agreements reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States in 2025.

Photo Credit: Beeline Kazakhstan

“In autumn 2025, during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States, Kazakhstan reached an agreement on the introduction of Starlink Mobile (Direct to Cell) satellite connectivity. Today, we are seeing this agreement become a reality. Kazakhstan has become the first country in Central Asia where Direct to Cell has undergone practical testing and is now moving to the user service stage,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The technology provides a direct connection between a compatible smartphone and Starlink Mobile satellites without the need for a dedicated satellite phone, external antenna or additional equipment. Users will be able to send and receive messages, as well as access to select apps in areas without terrestrial mobile network coverage. For Beeline Kazakhstan customers, the service will be available free of charge during the promotional period.

For Kazakhstan, with its vast territory, satellite mobile connectivity is of particular importance, creating additional opportunities for communication from hard-to-reach areas and where terrestrial infrastructure has been damaged.

“Beeline has been operating in Kazakhstan for more than twenty years, and throughout this time we have consistently invested in the development of connectivity and new technologies. Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world by territory, and distance should not become a barrier to people’s access to modern technologies. The development of digital infrastructure is a long-term investment in the country’s competitiveness and quality of life and we are proud to be able to support this crucial infrastructure development,” said Kazakhstani businessman and investor of the Verny Capital Group, Bulat Utemuratov.

SOURCE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starlink-satellite-to-mobile-service-launched-in-kazakhstan-302896175.html?tc=eml_cleartime