Astana is hosting three FEI equestrian tournaments for the first time, bringing together athletes from over 20 countries, El.kz reports.
Astana is set to host three international tournaments a World Cup stage, the FEI Jumping World Challenge Final, and • CDI1*/CDI3* (Concours de Dressage International) competitions.
The tournaments feature both qualification rounds and international ranking events.
According to the head coach, Kazakhstan is hosting several tournaments of this scale simultaneously for the first time, giving local athletes an opportunity not only to compete at home but also to earn ranking points for international qualification.
“Today we are holding several stages at once, including the World Cup and the Challenge Final. For our athletes, this is a chance to demonstrate their level and gain points in the international rankings. The competition is strong, with powerful teams from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries taking part,” Asset Tolkymbekov said.
The tournament atmosphere is further enhanced by young participants from different countries. Seventeen-year-old Colombian rider Emiliana Londoño, who has been involved in equestrian sports since the age of five, said competing in Astana has become an important international experience for her.
“I really liked Kazakhstan. The organization here is of a very high standard. I came with my mother and feel very comfortable. The competitions are excellent, and I am grateful for the opportunity to compete here,” Emiliana said.
The athlete competes in show jumping and highlighted the high level of competition at the tournament. According to her, the atmosphere helps riders stay focused and demonstrates how strong the international field has become.
“If I stay максимально focused, I think I can fight for the victory,” she added.
The coach also emphasized that hosting events of this level in Kazakhstan became possible thanks to the development of the federation and support for new organizational initiatives, although challenges related to logistics and preparing athletes for major international competitions still remain.
The final rounds and Grand Prix events will take place in the coming days, where the winners of the World Cup stage and participants for future international competitions will be determined.
Particular attention from spectators is focused on the World Cup Grand Prix, where obstacles reach heights of up to 160 centimeters, making precision, speed, and the partnership between rider and horse decisive factors.
Organizers noted that hosting three tournaments simultaneously at one venue is turning Astana into a new attraction point on the FEI international calendar and strengthening Kazakhstan’s status as a country capable of holding high-level competitions.
