Taking place in Astana is the nation’s biggest tournament in the ancient sport of kuresi, which is a form of wrestling not dissimilar to judo.
Practised in over 40 countries around the world, kuresi is a firm part of the cultural landscape in Kazakhstan and can be played by anybody over the age of 10. There are clubs around the country with members from many different ethnic backgrounds.
UNESCO has recognised kuresi as part of the world’s cultural heritage, and with professionals taking part in regular competition, locally, nationally, or internationally, it more than justifies its place as one of the country’s leading sports even today.
Nomadic tribes would compete in kuresi to show their skills and strength, but not only for entertainment and sport. Battle training also included wrestling, unsurprisingly, and it was regarded as a way to help soldiers bond, not to mention entire communities.
As with many grappling sports, the intention in kuresi is to throw your opponent on their back or shoulders, yet unlike others, there is no groundwork involved. All the action takes place when the fighters (baluans) are standing, and the contest is paused when any part of the body touches the mat.
According to World Ethnosport:
“Wrestlers stand during the bout and can grab their opponent anywhere above the belt. It is forbidden to grab the feet of the opponents or lie on the ground. Wrestlers are allowed to use different kinds of techniques such as grabbing clothing or belts, seizing arms or torso, sweeps, hooks, shoves, or throwing across the back, hip or chest. The bout ends either by “TAZA” (clear victory) or “technical superiority”, a disqualification, by injury to one of the opponents, or at the end of the regular time.”
The 15th anniversary Qazaqstan Barysy 2026 super tournament is underway at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Astana, and some notable baluans have already picked up medals.
Of special note, and receiving congratulations from the President, was Zhantilek Nurtilepuly, the Master of Sport who dominated his category to pick up the gold belt for the first time, as well as a prize of 15 million tenge, some $32,000 in USA currency.
And as per Kazakhstan Today, 40 baluans from all regions of Kazakhstan take to the mat hoping to win the golden belt and the Taituyaq challenge trophy.
