Central Asian Leaders Launch F1H2O Grand Prix on Lake Issyk-Kul
Along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul Central Asian presidents gathered to inaugurate the Kyrgyzstan Grand Prix of the F1H2O World Championship.
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Kyrgyz host Sadyr Japarov, Kazakh President Kassym–Jomart Tokayev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon to activate the official starting mechanism for the international powerboating contest. Following the ceremonial opening, the leaders greeted competing teams and enthusiastic spectators before watching the opening qualification heats from the VIP observation area.
The high-speed sporting event unfolded alongside an informal consultative summit in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata, bringing together national leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and guest participant Azerbaijan.
During executive discussions focused on multilateral cooperation, the presidents formally endorsed the Cholpon-Ata Declaration. The strategic document establishes a unified framework for sustainable development, energy trade and transport infrastructure expansion across the region.
Summit delegates emphasised that enhanced diplomatic trust has ushered in a transformative era of economic integration for Central Asia. Key discussions focused on accelerating landmark infrastructure initiatives, including the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric facility and the strategic China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway corridor.
Leaders also highlighted that Azerbaijan’s growing engagement creates vital synergy, establishing a seamless commercial transit bridge connecting Central Asian economies to the South Caucasus and European markets.
Alpine waters for landmark race
Organised under the governance of the Union Internationale Motonautique, the championship round represents the first time a Central Asian nation has hosted a stage of the premier waterborne series.
Following the 2026 season opener in Cagliari, Italy, the competition moved to the alpine waters off Baet village. Situated 1,607 metres above sea level along a 1,929-metre course, the Issyk-Kul circuit ranks as the highest-altitude venue in the championship’s history.
The grand prix features eight international teams and 18 elite racers hailing from countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Athletes pilot specialised composite catamarans fitted with closed safety cockpits, capable of reaching speeds up to 250 km/h. Racers are adjusting to the thin mountain air as they battle for crucial standings after a dramatic opening round in Europe.
