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15 July 2025
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15 Jul 2025
Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Tennis Revolution in Kazakhstan: How Systemic Investment Is Creating Champions

Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has evolved from a promising tennis nation into a formidable contender on the global stage. Elena Rybakina’s Wimbledon triumph, Alexander Bublik’s steady rise, and a new wave of top-ranked juniors are no coincidence; they are the product of a long-term, meticulously executed strategy.

In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Yuri Polsky, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), explains how strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and a grassroots approach have fundamentally reshaped the country’s tennis landscape.

TCA: Kazakhstani tennis players have recently made headlines at top international tournaments. How would you assess Kazakhstan’s current standing on the global tennis map? Are the successes of Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik, as well as the emergence of top juniors, the result of systemic work or just coincidence?

Polsky: Luck plays a role in any athlete’s career, but it’s fleeting. Kazakhstan’s results, among both professionals and juniors, are consistent, which points to a system that delivers. Over the past decade, we’ve seen numerous players ranked in the world’s top 30: Shvedova, Voskoboeva, Kukushkin, Golubev, Korolev, Nedovyesov, and more recently, Diyas, Putintseva, Danilina, Bublik, and, of course, Rybakina. Together, they’ve secured four Grand Slam titles, reached multiple singles and doubles finals, and won WTA 1000, 500, and ATP/WTA 250 tournaments.

Among the juniors, talents like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Amir Omarkhanov, and Sonya Zhienbayeva have ranked in the ITF Top 5 and Top 20. Our Under-14 and Under-18 national teams have reached the world’s top four and consistently defeated traditional powerhouses such as Australia, France, Italy, and Argentina. These results underscore the strength of Kazakhstan’s national coaching program and the Federation’s long-term vision.

In 2024, Kazakhstan had six players in the ITF junior Top 100, including three in the Top 50. Seven more under-14s were ranked in the Tennis Europe Top 100, more than Italy, currently the leader in that category. Notably, all 13 of these top-ranked juniors were born and raised in Kazakhstan, highlighting the success of a nationwide, structured development model that blends public support with private initiative.

TCA: What is the Federation’s strategic outlook for the next five to ten years? How extensive is the infrastructure, and are there plans to expand into smaller cities?

Polsky: Since 2007, when businessman and philanthropist Bulat Utemuratov became the KTF president, Kazakhstan has built 38 major tennis centers, each with at least six courts, totaling 364 hard and clay courts nationwide. Over the past 17 years, more than $150 million has been invested in infrastructure. Hundreds of coaches have been trained, particularly for early childhood programs. The number of certified ITF coaches has nearly doubled in five years, now surpassing 400.

Infrastructure growth has significantly reduced training costs: hourly court rental has dropped from $50 in 2007 to just $10 today. Facilities now exist in 16 of the 18 regional capitals and smaller cities like Lisakovsk. Major complexes in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe, and Ust-Kamenogorsk each include six indoor and ten outdoor courts, allowing over 1,000 children per city to train regularly.

However, demand continues to outpace supply. In Astana and Almaty, each center maintains waitlists of 500-600 children. To meet this, new high-standard complexes are being constructed, including a 14-court facility in Almaty and another in Astana. Additionally, the Federation is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to introduce tennis in kindergartens and schools, ensuring access for children from remote regions.

International partners like Lexus play a crucial role, funding equipment and supporting coach education and certification. These partnerships help ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.

TCA: How well prepared is Kazakhstan’s coaching system to produce new stars? Is there still reliance on foreign specialists?

Polsky: Our priority is developing local players and coaches. These go hand in hand: strong coaching develops talent, and working with top athletes enhances coaching expertise.

For example, last year, Eva Korysheva of Aktobe, coached by Pavel Tsoy, became Asia’s top U14 player and competed at the AO Elite Trophy in Australia. Traveling with her coach, Pavel gained firsthand experience of a Grand Slam-level event – a priceless opportunity.

We emphasize maintaining the bond between a player and their first coach. Seminars and educational initiatives support this, and when foreign experts are brought in, local coaches work alongside them. Former players like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Ayap Sagadat, and Zhansultan Chembotaev are now part of Team Kazakhstan, nurturing the next generation under international mentorship.

TCA: How many children currently play tennis in Kazakhstan? What support exists for regional talents?

Polsky: More than 30,000 children now play tennis in Kazakhstan. Around 3,500 receive free training and participate in tournaments at no cost. Many regional teams benefit from free or discounted court time during off-peak hours.

The top 150 players under 14 are enrolled in a national development program. Another 32 older athletes receive full or partial funding through the Team Kazakhstan scholarship. Selection is based on national tournament performance and expert evaluations.

Team events like the U12 and U14 Kazakhstan Cups are central to talent discovery, as they energize coaches, motivate young athletes, and allow for the early identification of standout players. Inspired by Italy and Canada, the Federation has introduced talent ID systems across regional centers and continues to invest in hosting national and international tournaments. Families are essential partners, from logistics to emotional support, in building long-term success.

TCA: What are the national teams’ goals at events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup? What role do stars like Rybakina and Bublik play?

Polsky: The men’s team aims to return to the Davis Cup World Group, while the women’s team is targeting victory in the Billie Jean King Cup. We believe both goals are realistic.

These victories inspire the next generation. Young players want to emulate Rybakina, Bublik, Putintseva, and Zhukayev. We host regular masterclasses, giving children the opportunity to meet, train with, and learn from these stars, boosting their confidence and drive.

TCA: Does Kazakhstan have a realistic shot at winning a Grand Slam or team world championship soon?

Polsky: Absolutely. Elena Rybakina has already won Wimbledon. Yaroslava Shvedova holds two Grand Slam doubles titles. Anna Danilina has won in mixed doubles. Rybakina also finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, just shy of a medal.

Our national teams have beaten world-class opponents including Italy, Germany, Japan, Argentina, Switzerland, and Australia. With the right support and experience, we’re confident our near-wins will become titles.

TCA: How stable is the Federation’s funding? Who are the key backers?

Polsky: Financial stability is one of our core strengths. Federation President Bulat Utemuratov supports KTF through personal investment and long-term partnerships. Our relative independence from government funding allows for consistent, long-term planning, unaffected by political or economic shifts.

A major milestone was acquiring the license to host an ATP 250 tournament in Kazakhstan. This annual event draws global attention and attracts new sponsors. For instance, Lexus backs the “Tennis for Life” initiative, KPMG supports wheelchair tennis, and numerous companies now sponsor junior tournaments and regional players.

TCA: What are the biggest challenges facing Kazakhstani tennis today? What goals have been set for the next five years?

Polsky: Our immediate priorities include earning as many Olympic and Paralympic berths as possible, winning junior and senior Grand Slam titles, and capturing the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

Achieving these goals requires unity. That’s why we invest deeply in developing the Federation’s human capital, preserving institutional knowledge, building continuity, and enhancing our support infrastructure.

TCA: What message would you share with young players starting out in tennis?

Polsky: Tennis mirrors life. On court, you make choices, face consequences, and grow through setbacks. A match isn’t over until the final point, so there’s always a chance to come back. Tennis shapes not just champions, but resilient individuals. Every loss is a lesson. The game is a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

15 Jul 2025
Home, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyzstan Enacts Code to Boost Financing for Female Entrepreneurs

Kyrgyzstan has officially enacted the Code on Financing Women Entrepreneurs, a regulatory framework aimed at expanding women’s access to financial products from banks and microfinance institutions. The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) will oversee the implementation of the Code, which it regards as a milestone in institutional support for women’s entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, NBKR Chairman Melis Turgunbaev emphasized the crucial role of women in the country’s economy, particularly within the small and medium-sized business sector.

“The launch of the Code, backed by the recent legislative recognition of the concept of ‘women’s entrepreneurship,’ creates a solid institutional foundation for mobilizing financial sector resources and directing them toward the development of this strategically important segment of the economy,” Turgunbaev said.

The legal definition of women’s entrepreneurship was introduced into Kyrgyz legislation only last year. Lawmakers noted that female entrepreneurs often face structural challenges, such as balancing business activities with domestic responsibilities and limited access to property assets that can serve as loan collateral.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the typical Kyrgyz female entrepreneur is between 40 and 50 years old, has a secondary education, runs a small or medium-sized enterprise, often individually and began her business career before turning 30.

The new Code modifies financial regulations to simplify access to credit for women. Key provisions include expanded opportunities for unsecured lending and the removal of a previous requirement for financial institutions to set aside 1% of the loan amount for potential losses when lending to women. The NBKR believes these changes will make financing for women both strategically and commercially attractive across the banking sector.

“Our actions are not just advocacy, they are about building sustainable market mechanisms,” said Turgunbaev. “The National Bank is establishing economically sound conditions that incentivize the entire financial sector to support women entrepreneurs.”

According to the NBKR, the Code applies specifically to enterprises in which women own at least 51% of the capital and make up at least 51% of the workforce. Financial institutions are encouraged to offer more accessible, long-term loans to qualifying women-led businesses on preferential terms.

However, The Times of Central Asia has learned that the Code currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to support women facing loan repayment difficulties. Nonetheless, the regulator clarified that this does not restrict banks from granting relief measures.

“The NBKR will not prevent commercial banks from offering concessions to women entrepreneurs with overdue loans under programs focused on financing women-led businesses,” a spokesperson said.

The National Bank plans to coordinate the Code’s rollout and ongoing refinement, emphasizing that support for women entrepreneurs is viewed as a long-term institutional priority.

15 Jul 2025
Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakhstan Reaffirms OPEC+ Commitment While Seeking to Renegotiate Investor Contracts

Kazakhstan has confirmed it will remain a part of the OPEC+ agreement on oil production cuts, despite persistently exceeding its allocated quotas. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, while also revealing that the government is initiating negotiations to revise production sharing agreements (PSAs) with foreign investors operating in the country’s largest oil and gas fields.

The OPEC+ agreement, an alliance between OPEC members and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, including Kazakhstan, aims to coordinate output to stabilize global energy markets. Under the current deal, signed in December 2023, member states voluntarily committed to cutting combined oil production by 2.17 million barrels per day through the end of 2026.

However, Kazakhstan has consistently exceeded its quota in recent months. According to the Ministry of Energy, oil exports in June 2025 reached 1.86 million barrels per day, 80,000 more than in May and nearly 500,000 barrels above the country’s voluntary limit.

The surge is primarily attributed to the expansion of the Tengiz oil field, one of Kazakhstan’s largest energy projects. The $49 billion Future Growth Project is already operational and is expected to boost annual output by 12 million tons, or roughly 260,000 barrels per day, an increase of nearly 40%.

Acknowledging the challenges of meeting OPEC+ targets, Bektenov emphasized Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to the deal:

“We are not considering withdrawing from the OPEC+ agreement, as we believe it is useful and contributes to stability in the oil market,” Bektenov stated. “We will strive to fulfill our obligations, but with national interests in mind.”

At the same time, Bektenov underscored the government’s limited control over production levels at key fields such as Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan, where foreign investors hold substantial stakes.

“We cannot demand that our partners reduce production, as they have made significant investments and are counting on a return,” he said.

To address this issue, Kazakhstan has begun discussions with investors to revise existing PSAs, aiming to secure a greater share of national revenues from energy production.

“There is a view that the country’s interests are not fully reflected in the existing agreements. We are starting a dialogue on new agreements for a new period,” Bektenov said. “At the same time, we will act carefully to maintain the investment climate.”

This dual strategy, upholding international commitments while seeking more favorable terms, illustrates Kazakhstan’s intent to balance global cooperation with national economic priorities.

PSAs for the country’s three main oil fields are due to expire in the coming decades: Tengiz in 2033, Karachaganak in 2037, and Kashagan in 2041. Together, these fields account for approximately two-thirds of Kazakhstan’s total oil output, 67 million out of 90 million tons annually.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government in January to begin seeking revisions to the PSA terms well ahead of their expiration.

15 Jul 2025
Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan to Supply Uranium to Slovakia Under New Memorandum

Kazakhstan’s national nuclear company, Kazatomprom, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Slovenské elektrárne a.s. (SEAS), Slovakia’s largest electricity producer, paving the way for future uranium exports to the Central European country.

According to a company statement, the memorandum outlines the potential supply of natural uranium concentrate and, eventually, uranium dioxide (UO₂), to fuel Slovakia’s nuclear reactors. The agreement also sets the stage for identifying additional areas of long-term cooperation between the two energy firms.

SEAS operates Slovakia’s two nuclear power plants, Bohunice and Mochovce, which collectively run five VVER-440 reactors. The company generates over 70% of Slovakia’s electricity. A controlling 66% stake in SEAS is held by Slovak Power Holding, with the remaining 34% owned by the Slovak government.

“With the signing of this memorandum, we are taking an important step towards strengthening cooperation with our European partners,” said Meirzhan Yusupov, Chairman of the Board of Kazatomprom. “Slovakia is one of the countries where nuclear energy plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable energy supply. We hope this agreement lays the foundation for strong and mutually beneficial relations.”

Branislav Stricek, CEO and Chairman of SEAS, emphasized the importance of diversifying nuclear fuel sources and expressed confidence in the long-term potential of partnering with the world’s largest uranium producer.

Kazatomprom maintained its position as the leading global producer of natural uranium in 2024, accounting for 21% of total output, up from 20% in 2023. The company’s net profit reached $2.1 billion in 2024, marking a 95% increase year-on-year. Kazakh uranium is currently exported to markets across China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

This new agreement with SEAS follows several recent deals with European energy providers. In February 2025, Kazatomprom signed its first uranium supply contract with Swiss firms Axpo Power AG and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG to fuel the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants. In April, The Times of Central Asia, reported that the company had also entered into a similar agreement with Czech energy giant ČEZ.

15 Jul 2025
Home, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy, Business & Economy, Tajikistan Features

China Overtakes Russia as Tajikistan’s Top Trading Partner for the First Time

For the first time in over two decades, China has become Tajikistan’s largest trading partner, surpassing Russia in bilateral trade volume, according to newly released data from the Tajikistan Statistics Agency.

A New Leader in Foreign Trade

Between January and May 2025, trade between Tajikistan and China reached $964 million, an increase of nearly 30% compared to the same period in 2024. China’s share in Tajikistan’s total foreign trade stood at 24.8%, edging ahead of Russia’s 23.2%.

This surge was driven largely by Chinese exports to Tajikistan, which totaled $787 million. Tajik exports to China reached $177 million, leaving a significant trade imbalance in China’s favor, though the overall volume of bilateral engagement continues to rise rapidly.

Russia had held the position of Tajikistan’s leading trade partner for more than 20 years. However, during the first five months of 2025, total trade between the two countries reached approximately $900 million. Of that, only $42 million represented Tajik exports to Russia, while Russian imports totaled $858 million. Despite a 9.3% increase year-on-year, the growth was insufficient to maintain its top position.

Uzbekistan Reemerges as a Key Player

Historically, Uzbekistan was Tajikistan’s main trade partner during the 1990s. In 1995, trade between the two countries reached $250 million, double the combined trade volume with other post-Soviet states at the time. However, political tensions toward the end of the decade led to a sharp decline, with trade falling to just $13 million by 2014.

Following the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President of Uzbekistan in 2016, bilateral relations have markedly improved. Trade between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is once again on the rise, reaching $238 million in the first five months of 2025.

China: Tajikistan’s Leading Investor and Creditor

China’s growing economic influence in Tajikistan extends beyond trade. It is now the country’s largest foreign investor, having overtaken Russia in 2017. According to the State Committee for Investment and State Property Management, accumulated Chinese investment in Tajikistan totaled $5.1 billion as of Q2 2025. In comparison, Russian investments stand at approximately $2 billion, less than half.

China is also Tajikistan’s largest external creditor. As of early 2025, Dushanbe’s debt to Beijing stood at around $1 billion, representing nearly one-third of the country’s total external debt.

This strategic pivot in Tajikistan’s economic orientation reflects a broader regional trend. Across Central Asia, Beijing continues to expand its footprint through a combination of trade, infrastructure investment, financial lending, and diplomatic engagement.

15 Jul 2025
Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Home, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Home, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Home

Declining Birth Rates in Central Asia Tied to Crisis in Reproductive Freedom

Birth rates across Europe and Central Asia are falling sharply, accompanied by aging populations and the migration of young people in search of better opportunities. In response, many governments have introduced financial incentives to encourage childbirth. However, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns in its State of World Population 2025 report that these measures address symptoms, not causes. The real issue, the report contends, is a crisis of reproductive freedom.

The report, compiled in partnership with the polling agency YouGov, surveyed over 14,000 people across 14 countries, including Germany and Hungary. Its findings highlight a deep disconnect between people’s reproductive intentions and their lived realities: 32% reported experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, while 23% said they were unable to have children when they wanted. Among respondents over the age of 50, nearly one-third (31%) reported having fewer children than they had hoped.

Economic insecurity emerged as the leading barrier to planned parenthood. Financial hardship was cited by 39% of respondents, followed by job instability (21%), lack of suitable housing (19%), and concerns over war, pandemics, or climate change (19%). Relationship-related issues were also significant: 14% said they lacked a partner, while 10%, mostly women, said their partners did not contribute enough at home.

Although Central Asia continues to report fertility rates above the global average, the region is not immune to this trend. The report notes a steady decline in birth rates across much of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, which is experiencing a multi-year downturn despite having one of the region’s higher fertility rates. UNFPA emphasizes that these patterns reflect underlying socio-economic constraints, not shifting cultural values.

Rather than framing the issue as one of declining birth rates, UNFPA urges a shift in perspective from “why aren’t people having more children?” to “why can’t people have the families they want?” Reproductive freedom, the report argues, means being able to decide freely and securely when, and how many children to have. This requires stable employment, access to quality healthcare and housing, and genuine gender equality.

UNFPA calls on governments, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, to focus less on raising fertility rates and more on protecting individual rights. Key policy recommendations include greater investment in public health systems, affordable housing, decent work opportunities, and stronger protections against violence and discrimination.

“The real crisis is that millions of people can’t build the families they want, not because they don’t want children, but because they can’t afford to have them,” the report states.

As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, four out of five Central Asian countries are currently experiencing declining fertility. The exception is Uzbekistan, where birth rates remain high and continue to climb.

In 2023, Uzbekistan recorded a fertility rate of 3.4 children per woman, the highest in the region. It was followed by Tajikistan (3.1), Kazakhstan (3.0), and Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan (each at 2.7). Uzbekistan also posted the region’s highest number of births last year, approximately 962,000, representing a 14% increase compared to 2020. By contrast, Kazakhstan registered 388,400 births in 2023, continuing a downward trajectory that began in 2021.

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