Almaty officially becomes CIS sports capital for 2026

Almaty has officially received a certificate confirming its designation as the sports capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2026, the city’s Sports Department said.

The certificate was presented during a ceremony attended by Kazakh Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev, CIS Deputy Secretary General Nurlan Seitimov, and Head of the Almaty Sports Department Darkhan Nurkhanuly, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

The Sports Department said the designation recognises Almaty’s contribution to the development of sports, its role in hosting major international and national competitions, and its efforts to strengthen sports cooperation among CIS member states.

Throughout 2026, the city is hosting international and national tournaments, mass sporting events and initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

The certificate presentation was described as one of the key events marking Almaty’s tenure as the CIS Sports Capital for 2026.

By Vafa Guliyeva