The initiative has been delivered through the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Judo Federation, in partnership with the Jenys International Sports Foundation. It further strengthens the role of judo within the country's military training system while contributing to the continued growth of Kazakhstan's national judo community.
The inauguration ceremony brought together Minister of Defence Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov, Chairman of the Sports Committee and Head of the Central Sports Club of the Army (CSKA), Colonel Arman Abeuov, Founder of the Jenys International Sports Foundation Almaz Alsenov, President of the Kazakhstan Greco Roman, Freestyle and Women's Wrestling Federation Erkin Okassov, representatives of the IJF, athletes, sport veterans, military personnel and cadets.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov described the opening as the first tangible result of the co-operation agreement between the Ministry of Defence and the IJF.
"The opening of this first judo centre marks a new stage in strengthening international co-operation and creating a modern military training system. It is the beginning of a much broader initiative. Our ambition is to establish similar centres in every military higher education institution and military college under the Ministry of Defence."
The Chairman of the Sports Committee, Colonel Arman Abeuov, expressed his appreciation to IJF President Marius Vizer and Jenys International Sports Foundation Founder Almaz Alsenov for their support in making the project possible. Thanks to the partnership, the Ministry of Defence received IJF-standard tatami, judogi and modern training equipment, providing military institutions with first-class facilities for judo practice.
Colonel Abeuov also announced the forthcoming creation of the Kazakhstan Armed Forces Judo League, together with plans to introduce the IJF education system into military sport.
The new league will unite teams representing military units, military academies and military colleges across the country. Through regular competitions, it aims to raise sporting standards, strengthen the competitive environment and establish a clear pathway for selecting athletes to represent Kazakhstan's Armed Forces at both national and international events.
Beyond competition, the opening of the judo centre reflects the shared commitment of the Ministry of Defence, the International Judo Federation and the Jenys International Sports Foundation to promote judo as a powerful educational tool. By embracing the values of discipline, leadership, resilience, mutual respect and physical preparedness, the initiative will help prepare future servicemen and women both on and beyond the tatami.
