International Taekwondo Competition to Take Place in Astana
The city of Astana, Kazakhstan, will play host to the Kazakhstan Open 2025 Taekwondo (WT) tournament, an international G-1 level event, from August 14 to 16. This marks the return of Kazakhstan to the map of major G-1 tournaments after an eight-year hiatus.
Key Details
The tournament will see the participation of over 750 athletes from 23 countries, including Olympic champions and world stars. Countries sending delegations include Afghanistan, Armenia, Canada, France, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Luxembourg, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, as well as neutral athletes (AIN).
The competition will feature three age categories—cadets, juniors, and adults (seniors). The event will also introduce updated international World Taekwondo rules and advanced KPNP K-2 electronic scoring systems, including new gloves designed to improve the accuracy and objectivity in recording strikes.
Notable Aspects
The Kazakhstan Open 2025 is part of the official World Taekwondo calendar and will feature performances by the World Taekwondo Demonstration Team. High-profile guests expected include World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue and the Asian Taekwondo Union President.
The event aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s status as a reliable host and is a buildup toward hosting future major competitions such as the 2026 Grand Prix Final and bidding for the 2027 World Championships.
Background
The Kazakhstan Open 2025 is the first G-1 level taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan since similar events in 2015 (Almaty) and 2017 (Atyrau), signifying Kazakhstan's reemergence on the world taekwondo stage.
Special Participation
Pakistan’s national team, led by Lt. Col Zeeshan Aslam and national head coach Master Yousef Karami, is among the participants, with athletes competing in multiple weight categories.
This event is a significant step for Kazakhstan in terms of sports diplomacy and international taekwondo development. With a total prize fund of 15.8 million Kazakhstani tenge (approximately US$33,000), the tournament will be held at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Palace of Combat Sports in Astana. The event will also feature a demonstration team from the World Taekwondo Federation for the first time in the Kazakhstan Open.
Sports enthusiasts from 23 countries, such as Afghanistan, Canada, and India, will participate in the Kazakhstan Open 2025 Taekwondo (WT) tournament. The competition, which will take place from August 14 to 16, features sports endeavors from cadets, juniors, and adults, including Pakistani athletes led by Lt. Col Zeeshan Aslam and national head coach Master Yousef Karami.
