The youth table tennis championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, concluded with a sensational victory by 10-year-old Zhaniya Bekmuhambetova from Kostanay. Despite being five years younger than her opponents, she claimed the gold medal in the individual competition.
The budding tennis player from Kostanay caused a stir by defeating many experienced rivals, earning her a well-deserved spot on the podium alongside Akniet Amangeldy from Shymkent, and Karaganda natives Darya Fu and Maria Lukyanova. In addition to her individual gold, Zhaniya also secured a bronze medal in the doubles event, with assistance from Ruana Shymkentbay from the Turkestan region.
In the boys' category for ages "15 and under," the Kazakh champion was Bakdaulet Saurbay from Shymkent, surpassing Sanzhar Ibakhan from Turkestan, as well as Asylkhan Magzumbekov and Medet Nurumov from Karaganda.
Meanwhile, a foundation-laying ceremony for a Table Tennis Center took place in Kyzylorda, on the left bank. The two-story complex with modern infrastructure, built to international standards, is expected to be operational by 2025.
On the international stage, Kazakh table tennis talents continue to shine. Young prodigy Alan Kurmangaliev emerged victorious in a tournament in Lebanon across two age categories – under 17 and under 19.
