Vilnius, May 19–20, 2026 – Under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian and Latvian Togyzqumalaq Federations, and Vilnius Santaros Gymnasium, a masterclass and the Third International Children’s Togyzqumalaq Tournament were held in the Lithuanian capital. Togyzqumalaq is a traditional Kazakh intellectual game inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On May 19, Latvian school students conducted a masterclass at Santaros Gymnasium, where Lithuanian students had the opportunity to learn the basics and distinctive features of the game. The main tournament took place on May 20 at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Lithuania.

The tournament has been organized annually since 2024 and aims to promote Kazakhstan’s national intellectual heritage, foster intercultural dialogue, and strengthen educational and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and the Baltic States.

More than 30 school students from Lithuania and Latvia took part in the competition, demonstrating a high level of preparation, strategic thinking, and interest in Kazakh culture.

The winners and participants of the tournament were awarded diplomas from the Kazakhstan Togyzqumalaq Federation and commemorative prizes.

The growing interest in togyzqumalaq across Europe is becoming a hallmark of cultural, humanitarian, and youth cooperation between Kazakhstan, Lithuania, and Latvia.

The Embassy expresses its gratitude to President of the Latvian Togyzqumalaq Federation L. Azimova, President of the Lithuanian Togyzqumalaq Federation A. Zhandaris, as well as the administration of Santaros Gymnasium for their continued contribution to organizing the tournament and promoting the Kazakh intellectual game in the Baltic States.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-vilnius/press/news/details/1224801?lang=ru