Taraz Honors Colonel Kerimbayev with Epic Martial Arts Showdown
Taraz recently hosted an international martial arts tournament in honour of Colonel Boris Kerimbayev. The event took place at the Taraz Arena sports complex, named after Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov. Competitors from multiple disciplines gathered to celebrate Kerimbayev’s legacy while showcasing their skills.
The tournament featured a wide range of combat sports, including karate-do, kickboxing, MMA, and taekwondo. Athletes also competed in dynamic hand-to-hand combat, tactical grappling, and under GAMMA MMA rules. One of the highlights was a karate super fight between Kazakhstan’s Akzhol Alikhan and Tajikistan’s Muhammadamin Kayumov.
Alikhan, the reigning European and Asian karate champion, secured victory after an intense extra round. The closing ceremony drew prominent Kazakh figures, veterans, and Kerimbayev’s former comrades, underscoring the event’s significance. Kurmet Nukenov, president of the Zhambyl Region Martial Arts Association, stressed the tournament’s importance in promoting patriotism among young Kazakhs. Organisers announced plans to hold the competition annually in Taraz as a tribute to Kerimbayev’s memory.
The event celebrated both martial arts excellence and the enduring legacy of Colonel Boris Kerimbayev. Future editions will continue to honour his contributions while fostering athletic talent in Kazakhstan. The tournament’s success has set the stage for its return in coming years.
