The National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan held its hand-to-hand combat championship in Petropavlovsk, dedicated to the memory of international master of sports, Captain Azamat Nurpeisov. The tournament took place at the Zhenis Youth Sports School and brought together over 100 athletes from all regional commands, the National Guard Academy, and military units 6654 and 5573.

The competition followed an Olympic elimination format across seven weight categories. The winners were:

• Up to 57 kg — Private Shyngys Aitzhanov (military unit 6556, Western Regional Command)

• Up to 62 kg — Sergeant Zhandos Utegulov (military unit 5517, Western RC)

• Up to 67 kg — Private Ruslan Kazybai (military unit 5517, Western RC)

• Up to 73 kg — Private Mansur Mimbulatov (military unit 3502, Western RC)

• Up to 80 kg — Junior Sergeant Kurvanzhan Gulamdunov (military unit 3477, Eastern RC)

• Up to 88 kg — Private Alikhan Safarov (military unit 6697, Central RC)

• Up to 97 kg — Cadet Iskander Zhaiykbayev (National Guard Academy)

In the overall team ranking:
🥇1st place — Western Regional Command
🥈2nd place — National Guard Academy
🥉3rd place — Central Regional Command

Colonel Alexander Kornilov, Acting Head of the Academy, delivered a welcome speech and praised the high level of preparation and the competitive spirit of the athletes.

“We witnessed not just matches, but true battles of character. The victors were those with determination, resilience, and a strong will to win — qualities that form the foundation of every soldier. I thank all participants, coaches, and referees for their integrity and discipline,” he said.

Special gratitude was expressed by the father of Captain Azamat Nurpeisov — Yerik Nurpeisov:

“I am thankful to everyone who came to honor my son’s memory. Though his life was short, it was bright. He served the Motherland with pride. It’s a great honor for our family that his name lives on through events like this. My heartfelt thanks to the leadership of the National Guard and the Academy for making this memorial tournament an annual tradition.”

Azamat Nurpeisov discovered his passion for boxing and kickboxing during school years. His determination brought him success in a short time: he became an international master of sports, a multiple-time champion and winner of the Kazakhstan Cup, a silver medalist at the 2009 World Championship in Italy, a bronze medalist at the 2011 World Championship in Ireland, Asian champion in India (2012), and silver medalist at the 2013 World Championship in Turkey. Azamat graduated from the Military Institute and served as an officer in the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The tournament symbolized the continuity of generations and served as a tribute to an officer who dedicated his life to serving the nation.

Press Service of the National Guard
Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1026002?lang=kk