The opening of the gala finals and professional fights of the republican kickboxing tournament in honor of the 100th anniversary of Halyk kaharmana Rakhimzhan Koshkarbayev took place in the capital. The event was organized within the framework of the Astana — Drug-Free City project and brought together more than 500 athletes from 13 regions of Kazakhstan, including world and Asian champions, the official website of the capital's akimat reports.
Acting Head of the Department for Combating Drug Crime of the Astana Police Department, Police Colonel Yerkesh Kalykov, noted the special importance of the kickboxing tournament, according to him, holding such sports events plays an important role in forming healthy habits among young people and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The speaker stressed that sports, especially martial arts, instills in a person discipline, perseverance and the will to win — qualities that help to avoid addictions and choose the right path. "Kickboxing is not just a sport, it is an opportunity to channel your energy into a creative channel, develop fortitude and cultivate character. We believe that such events contribute to the fight against drug addiction, giving young people an alternative and an opportunity to find themselves," he said.
"There are participants of the World and Asian championships among the athletes. All participants are prepared at a high level. Everyone strives to win as much as possible, so the competitions are very emotional," Amir-Akif Abdullayev, an athlete from the capital, shared his impression.
"The peculiarity of the gala finals is that these are the finals of tournaments that take place in a certain atmosphere of the show. Thanks to this, the fights become much more spectacular, and the emotions of the athletes are brighter," said the main organizer of the tournament and kickboxing coach Ernar Omarov.
A solemn summing up of the tournament will take place today, and the best athletes will be awarded with well-deserved prizes and medals. The purpose of the tournament is the development of Kazakhstani patriotism and the formation of interest in the national history and culture among the younger generation, as well as strengthening the connection between youth and the exploits of their ancestors.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana/press/news/details/874607