On May 1, within the framework of Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day, a historic event was held within the walls of NU – the first tournament in the discipline of International Taekwondo Federation (further – ITF) Taekwondo. More than 40 participants and 50 spectators visited the Athletic Center to watch this tournament. The special guests included official representatives of the ITF Taekwondo Federation of the city of Nur-Sultan, who also acted as judges of the tournament, Vice-President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation Kadisha Dairova.
In total, 5 yellow and 17 green belts were issued.
After 30 fights, the winners of their weight categories became known, as well as the nominees for the titles “The Best Female Fighter”, “The Best Male Fighter”, “The Most Technical Fighter” and “Fans’ Favorite”. The winners of the tournament were the following people:
● Among women in the weight category up to 52 kg:
○ 1st place – Elmira Merzhakupova
○ 2nd place – Zhadyra Onzhanova
○ 3 place – Tangguli Zhubanysh
○ 3rd place – Ayazhan Kosshybay
● Among women in the weight category up to 57 kg:
○ 1st place – Aruna Nyssanbay
○ 2nd place – Diana Nazarova
○ 3rd place – Anisa Sheraly
○ 3rd place – Kuralay Issabek
● Among women in the weight category up to 67 kg:
○ 1st place – Ulzhana Kylyshbek
○ 2nd place – Nazira Ibrasheva
○ 3rd place – Aruzhan Muratbek
○ 3rd place – Ainur Kenessova
● Among men in the weight category up to 64 kg:
○ 1st place – Anuar Aitbayev
○ 2nd place – Tamirlan Mendygaliyev
○ 3rd place – Teimuraz Jalayev
○ 3rd place – Alikhan Kalmakhanbet
● Among men in the weight category up to 74 kg:
○ 1st place – Tarlan Tleubay
○ 2nd place – Adiletkhan Nassylkhan
○ 3rd place – Zhandarbek Sapargaliyev
○ 3 place – Tri Pham
● Among men in the weight category over 74 kg:
○ 1st place – Zhandos Yegizbay
○ 2nd place – Nurbek Moldakhmetov
○ 3rd place – Aisultan Merzhanov
After awarding prizes, the judges had to choose nominations for the participants of the tournament. The nominees were:
● The Best Female Fighter – Aruna Nyssanbay conquered the judges with her perseverance and technique
● The Best Male Fighter – Anuar Aitbayev, who is remembered for his tact and combat strategy
● The Most Technical Fighter – Tarlan Tleubay, who successfully performed complex moves quickly and gracefully
● Fans’ Favorite – Tri Pham, who won the hearts of the audience, giving all sorts of advice to students and also fighting them on an equal level.
The NU Taekwondo Club thanks the Department of Student Services and Athletic Center for making a great contribution to the organization of the tournament. It is also worth thanking the ITF Taekwondo Federation of Nur-Sultan for their help in judging and club coach Baglan Aidarov, who made a significant contribution to the development of the potential of all fighters and received individual words of gratitude for his help in organizing and promoting taekwondo at the university. Special thanks were expressed to the President and Vice-President of the taekwondo club, students Madiyar Yergali and Teimuraz Jalayev and to all organizing staff of the club. NU Taekwondo Club with the agreement of Kadisha Dairova, hopes that this event will start a new tradition of annual Taekwondo Tournaments at NU.
