Kazakhstan delivered a commanding performance at the World Boxing Cup 2025, hosted in Astana under the aegis of World Boxing, with its fighters securing numerous gold and silver medals, Kazinform reports.
Among the standout international victories, Uzbekistan’s Navbakhor Hamidova stunned the boxing world by defeating Olympic and triple world champion Busenaz Sürmeneli of Turkey, clinching gold in the 65 kg category with a unanimous decision.
Tashkenbay, Orolbay and Akkalykov Lead Kazakhstan’s Charge
World Champion Sanjar Tashkenbay claimed his third win of the tournament and the gold medal in the 51 kg division, dominating the final against the Philippines’ Jay Bryan Baricuatro 5:0. Tashkenbay controlled the fight from the outset with sharp counterattacks and impeccable distance control, leaving no doubt in the judges’ minds.
In the 92 kg weight class, Asian Champion Aybek Orolbay fought with heightened determination following his twin brother Nurbek’s earlier defeat. Orolbay overcame opponents from Azerbaijan and Germany’s Nikita Putilov, applying consistent tactical pressure to secure the gold.
Sabyrzhan Akkalykov, a youth world and Asian champion, continued his impressive ascent by winning gold in the 75 kg category. He outclassed Bulgaria’s Rami Kiwan 5:0, just as he had earlier in the Strandja Cup, with precise control and calm execution.
Victories Across the Board for Kazakhstan
In the women’s division, Victoria Grafeyeva emerged as a new star by claiming gold in the 60 kg category. She overpowered Brazil’s Rebeca de Lima Santos with disciplined distance management and delivered a knockout in the third round.
Mahmud Sabyrkhan, a world champion and Olympian, was awarded technical victory in the 55 kg final after Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi withdrew. Sabyrkhan had earlier defeated Bulgaria’s Yasen Radev in the semi-final and showcased superb form throughout the event.
Natalya Bogdanova added to Kazakhstan’s medal tally with a composed 4:1 victory over Australia’s Lekeysha Pergoliti in the 60 kg category, following earlier wins over Nigerian and Brazilian opponents. Her strategic discipline stood out in the decisive moments of a fast-paced bout.
Silver Medals Reflect Depth of Talent
Alua Balkibekova, a world champion and two-time Asian champion, secured silver in the 50 kg category after falling to Finland’s Pihla Kaivo-Oja in the final. Despite the loss, her journey to the final – including a semi-final win over a Brazilian fighter – highlighted her continued elite standing in the sport.
Yeldana Talipova took silver in the over-81 kg division after a closely contested bout against India’s Nupur Nupur. Talipova had earlier defeated Uzbekistan’s Oltinoy Sotimboyeva with confident poise.
Nadezhda Ryabets, Olympic participant and world bronze medallist, also settled for silver after losing a tight final to Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad in the 75 kg category. Ryabets had edged out a tough opponent from Turkey in the semi-final but couldn’t overcome Hofstad’s early advantage despite a strong third round.
Uzbekistan’s Rising Star: Hamidova Makes History
Uzbekistan’s Navbakhor Hamidova delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating Turkey’s reigning Olympic and world champion Busenaz Sürmeneli in the 65 kg final. The judges unanimously awarded the bout to Hamidova, crowning her World Boxing Cup champion and marking a historic moment for Uzbek boxing.
In addition to Hamidova’s gold, Uzbekistan earned four bronze medals:
- Feruza Kazakova (-54 kg)
- Aziza Zokirova (-75 kg)
- Sokhiba Ruzmetova (-80 kg)
- Oltinoy Sotimboyeva (+80 kg)
Mongolia’s Gantumur Impresses with Knockout
Mongolia’s Lundaa Gantumur made headlines by knocking out Japan’s Sunsuke Kitamoto in the 60 kg semi-final. His powerful third-round finish secured him a place in the final and added intensity to the lightweight division.
President Tokayev Attends Finals, Praises Athletes
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the finals at the Jaxylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace alongside enthusiastic fans. The tournament featured 250 boxers from 29 nations, with ranking points at stake for Olympic qualification.
«I congratulate you on your victory,» Tokayev told the national team. «Boxing is for the strong in spirit. The state will continue to support you. I’m confident the sport will thrive in Kazakhstan.»
Notable medallists for Kazakhstan included:
- Gold: Sanjar Tashkenbay, Mahmud Sabyrkhan, Victoria Grafeyeva, Sabyrzhan Akkalykov, Aybek Orolbay, Natalya Bogdanova, Nazym Kyzaibai, Bekzat Nurdauletov
- Silver: Nurbek Orolbay
- Bronze: Sagyndyk Togambay, Aida Abikeeva, Aidanа Zabynbekova
Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan’s national women’s football team secured a place in the play-offs of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in 23 years after defeating Nepal.
