STRONG SPIRIT AND GREAT GOAL: EGOR KALAYEV – WINNER OF THE AKIM CUP OF ABAI REGION

A first-year student of the “Physical Culture and Sports” program at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University recently won first place at the open regional tournament “Akim’s Cup of Abai Region.” During the tournament, he defeated all of his opponents. Athletes from eight regions of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries participated in the competition.

Egor Kalaev began practicing karate at the age of seven, just as he started school. The Japanese martial art captured his heart. For 11 years, he has been dedicated to this sport and continues to strive toward new achievements.

Karate wins the hearts of many, but not everyone can stay at the top for long—some get tired, while others look for a new activity. But Egor is not one of the weak; he believes in his dream and pursues it steadily. Currently, he is a Candidate for Master of Sports in Sokyokushinkai Kan Karate, holds a black belt of the first dan, is a champion of city, regional, and national competitions, a member of the Kazakhstan national team, a participant in the World Championship in Tokyo (Japan), a champion of international competitions in the absolute weight category in India, and a laureate of the “Athlete of the Year” award—and he is not stopping there.

Together with his coach Nikolay Vladimirov, a Master of Sports of Kazakhstan and black belt of the fourth dan, he is preparing for new victories.

Ahead of him is his second World Championship in Sokyokushinkai Kan Karate, which will take place in 2027 in the birthplace of this martial art in Shizuoka prefecture. Active preparation is currently underway. Several international competitions are planned soon to further develop his skills. According to Egor Kalaev, big goals with big hopes leave no time for rest.

The first-year student notes that the university is supportive, offering significant flexibility in managing study time. The flexible schedule and support from instructors provide an excellent opportunity for proper preparation for major competitions. This approach allows him to balance student life and his sports career.

The administration and faculty of Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University are proud of their athletes, as their achievements contribute to the university’s prestige and inspire future generations.