Undefeated former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov paid a visit to the private KERN School in Astana. The famed athlete was invited by Farukh Kurbanov, the founder of the educational institution. The trip was a packed one: the star guest was not only shown around the school's facilities but also immersed in the atmosphere of Kazakh traditions, the website infohub.kz reports.
The introduction began on the school grounds. In a traditional Kazakh yurt, Khabib was shown paintings that students of the KERN Hub educational center had drawn specially for his arrival. There, a student performed the famous kui "Balbyrauyn" for the guest on the dombra.
The former champion was then given a detailed tour: he was shown modern classrooms, a STEM space, an assembly hall, the library and the cafeteria. In the library, Khabib upheld a school tradition and left words of encouragement in books for students. And in the school atrium, the guest surprised everyone by joining in the national game "asyk atu."
One of the highlights of the day was a friendly match. Khabib did not limit himself to the role of spectator and played football with the students himself.
The organizers also introduced the athlete to the institution's philosophy. The interiors of KERN School make extensive use of quotes and images of Abai Kunanbayev, through which children here are encouraged to strive for knowledge, hard work and morality.
The visit concluded in the winter garden over a traditional tea party with national sweets. As a sign of special respect and hospitality, Farukh Kurbanov presented Khabib with a national shapan.
The athlete shared his impressions of the trip openly, noting the children's sincere energy and the high standard of the school itself.
"The nicest thing is when you meet children, because they have the most sincere feelings, the most sincere emotions. You can't impose anything on children, and they have a real, living energy. And this school is one of the best I have ever been to. And that's the truth, not just fine words. There are all the conditions for studying here: a gym, classrooms, a cafeteria. I am sure that in the future there will be even more students here," Khabib Nurmagomedov emphasized.
In conclusion, he thanked everyone for the warm welcome and said he might visit Kazakhstan and KERN School again next year.
Recall that KERN School is a full-day private school combining strong academic preparation, all-round development and upbringing. Visits by famous guests have already become a good tradition here: the school has previously hosted other popular media personalities, including the bloggers Petya and Iriska from China. Its educational activities are licensed in the Republic of Kazakhstan.