The XI Asia Aquatics Championship for age groups in aquatic sports concluded in New Clark City, Philippines, with around 1500 athletes from 30 Asian countries participating. Team Kazakhstan secured the second spot in the overall medal tally, only behind Japan.
Kazakhstan was represented in swimming, water polo (juniors, girls), artistic swimming, and diving, with a total of 101 athletes, 70 of whom returned home with medals. The Kazakh athletes clinched 30 gold, 20 silver, and eight bronze medals.
The Kazakh swimmers and artistic swimmers delivered outstanding performances, achieving the best results in the history of their participation in the Asia Championships. In artistic swimming, Kazakhstan won nine gold, five silver, and one bronze medal, claiming the top team spot. In swimming, Kazakhstan earned 20 gold, 11 silver, and five bronze medals, setting 14 championship records and breaking three national records.
Diving contributed one gold, four silver, and one bronze medal to the Kazakh team's tally. In water polo, the U18 competitions saw the Kazakh junior team secure third place and bronze medals, while the girls' team finished fourth.
The impressive performance of the Kazakh team at the Asia Championship, with 70 athletes becoming winners and medalists, sets a new benchmark. These athletes are now the main reserve for Kazakhstan's national teams, gearing up to represent the country at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The need for a specialized center to focus on specific sports and age groups, particularly in diving, is emphasized. The federation aims to enhance training programs and concentrate efforts on nurturing talent across all age categories. The development of water polo also requires revised strategies and intensified preparation for national teams.
The federation, led by President Andrey Kryukov, oversees all aquatic sports in Kazakhstan and is a member of the Asia Aquatics and World Aquatics federations. Kryukov highlighted the success of Kazakh athletes and the importance of consolidating efforts to groom future champions using proven methods and a dedicated coaching team.
