Nine sports, three days of competition and a chance to shine at the national level: Astana is hosting the Zhuldyzai-26 national inclusive games, bringing together 600 young athletes with special needs aged 10 to 16. Esports and blind football have been added to the program for the first time, infohub.kz reports.
The opening ceremony took place on October 14. Teams from every region of Kazakhstan have arrived in the capital. For the young athletes, competing at the national level is a chance to test their abilities, represent their home region and gain recognition for their sporting achievements.
For many years, the Zhuldyzai national inclusive games have brought together children, coaches and families from across the country. Their significance goes beyond the playing field: the games motivate children to train regularly, help them discover their talents and draw attention to the development of adaptive sports in Kazakhstan. Access to training and competition allows more children to become part of sporting and public life.
"For the children, Zhuldyzai is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and they train every day for it. We strive to ensure that every young participant believes in themselves, feels the joy of triumph and walks the path of a true champion. We are sincerely proud of each and every one of our children!" said Gulzhan Isabayeva, director of the Zhuldyzai Foundation.
The games program features nine sports: athletics, mini-football, table tennis, asyk atu, bes asyk, togyzkumalak, showdown, esports and blind football. The variety of disciplines gives participants the chance to demonstrate speed, endurance, accuracy, strategic thinking and teamwork. Blind football, included for the first time, expands opportunities for young athletes with visual impairments. The addition of esports opens up another area where children can develop skills and achieve results.
Competitions are being held at four venues in the capital: the Qazaqstan athletics complex, the Inclusive Sports Center, Riviera International School and the Paralympic Training Center.
"Zhuldyzai is more than a competition. It is a celebration that we coaches and our children prepare for all year long. The games give the children motivation, build their sporting character and help them feel like champions. We are proud of our children and grateful to the organizers and sponsors who make these competitions possible every year," said coaches from the Aktobe region.
The Zhuldyzai national inclusive games are included in the Unified Republican Calendar of Sports and Mass Events for 2026, approved by the Committee for Sports and Physical Culture of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The games are organized by the Zhuldyzai and K public foundation for assistance to children with special educational needs. The general partners are the BI Group construction holding, Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC and the Sport Qory sports support fund. The competitions are also supported by regional akimats, sports and education departments, and sports federations. The information partner is the Qazsport TV channel.