THE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT NAMED AFTER BEKZAT SATTARKHANOV HAS STARTED IN TURKESTAN

The traditional XIX International Boxing Tournament in memory of Olympic champion Bekzat Sattarkhanov has started in Turkestan. At the opening of the competition, akim of the Turkestan region Umirzak Shukeyev made a welcoming speech.

"Boxing promotes the unity of our youth, the formation of a patriotic spirit, respect for opponents, and the formation of friendly relations. Since gaining independence in the country, this sport has been developing rapidly. Our athletes raised the Kazakh flag on international arenas, became winners and medalists of the Olympic Games and World and Asian Championships. I wish good luck to the participants of the competition, and that only the strongest will win in the ring, " the governor of the region said.

In addition, Bekzat's mother Sarlykul Sattarkhanova spoke at the opening of the competition and thanked the organizers of the tournament. The participants of the competition also noted that no matter how many years have passed, they will always remember Bekzat.

It should be noted that about 130 athletes from China and Uzbekistan and all regions of the country came to the tournament in Turkestan. Boxers will compete in 11 weight categories. The organizers strictly observe all quarantine requirements, the participants ' body temperature is measured, and strict control is carried out over the observance of social distance. Young people born in 2002-2004 take part in boxing competitions. The athlete who became the winner of the competition is awarded the title "Master of Sports".

The XIX International Youth Boxing Tournament dedicated to the memory of the winner of the Olympic Games in Sydney, the knight of the Order of "Barys" 1st degree, Honored Master of Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bekzat Sattarkhanov will last until March 20. The winners of the competition will receive a ticket to the World Cup, which will be held in April in Poland.

It should be noted that the boxers of the Turkestan region are among the best in Kazakhstan. In the region, boxing departments operate in 8 regional, 18 city and 7 district sports schools. 252 coaches train more than 6 thousand children. Every year, the region hosts international, republican boxing tournaments among adults. Also in the Turkestan region, qualifying competitions for the national championships and championships are held.