XI International Tournament for the Prizes of Olympic Champion Olga Rypakova Held in Ust-Kamenogorsk
XI International Tournament for the Prizes of Olympic Champion Olga Rypakova Held in Ust-Kamenogorsk Ust-Kamenogorsk, February 14, 2026. The XI International Athletics Tournament for the Prizes of Olympic Champion Olga Rypakova became a true celebration of sport. This year, the opening ceremony was held in a renewed format: dance performances were complemented by drummers, creating a special atmosphere warmly received by the audience. Among the honored guests were — Akim of East Kazakhstan Region Nurymbet Saktaganov, Honored Coach of Kazakhstan Kuandyk Elzhanov, Head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of East Kazakhstan Region Askar Mozhanov, Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Kazakhstan Kelbet Nurgazina, Vice-President of the Federation Alpamys Bakytuly, and of course, Olga Rypakova herself. In her inspirational speech, the London-2012 champion noted:“The nature of our region is unique, and this land gives great strength. The people living here are wonderful, hardworking, and kind. I thank everyone who helped organize these competitions. I wish all athletes high results and national records!” Akim Saktaganov emphasized the growing prestige of the tournament on the world stage: for the second year in a row, it holds Silver Level status from World Athletics. This means that athletes’ results enter the World Athletics ranking, which is especially important for selection to major international competitions. Athletes from 12 countries competed for medals, including Greece, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka. Spectators witnessed many spectacular moments. Competition Results Men:• Shot put: Georgiy Mudjaridze (GEO) — 19.56 m• Triple jump: Maksim Vanyaykin (UKR) — 16.24 m• Pole vault: Ivan Tovchenik (KAZ) — 5.20 m• 400 m (Final A): Elnor Mukhitdinov (KAZ) — 47.94 s• 400 m (Final B): Alan Ivanov (KAZ) — 49.71 s• 800 m: Igor Khrunin (KAZ) — 1:56.54• 3000 m: Beybarys Izgali (KAZ) — 8:44.11• 60 m hurdles: David Efremov (KAZ) — 7.79 s Women:• Triple jump: Maria Efremova (KAZ) — 13.51 m• Long jump: Yasemin Zehra Burekci (TUR) — 6.41 m (new competition record!)• 400 m (Final A): Janbibi Hukmova (UZB) — 54.15 s• 400 m (Final B): Anastasia Tsvirkunova (KAZ) — 57.04 s• 800 m: Alexandra Zalyubovskaya (KAZ) — 2:14.24• 3000 m: Darya Miller (KAZ) — 9:48.38• High jump: Barnokhon Saifullaeva (UZB) — 1.88 m• 60 m: Amasha de Silva (SRI) — 7.47 s• 60 m hurdles: Yuliya Bashmanova (KAZ) — 8.37 s Mixed 4×200 m relay: Team KAZ1 — 1:31.64 Special attention was drawn to the new competition record set by Turkish athlete Yasemin Zehra Burekci in the long jump. For the first time, races for inclusive children were added to the program, making the event even more open, accessible, and truly unifying. The competition gave the audience bright emotions and inspiration, and ahead lie new competitions and records that will continue to strengthen Kazakhstan’s athletics position on the world stage.