Kazakhstan wins first gold at 2025 World University Games in Germany

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has clinched its first gold medal at the ongoing 2025 FISU World Summer University Games, with taekwondo athlete Samirkhon Ababakirov securing a commanding victory in the men’s 63 kg category.

According to the Kazinform News Agency, Ababakirov defeated Omer Faruk Dayioglu of Turkiye in the final to take the top podium spot. The achievement was confirmed by the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, which praised the athlete’s performance as a significant boost for the national team.

Team Kazakhstan has now earned a total of seven medals at the Games—one gold and six bronze. Taekwondo players Tamirlan Tleules, Damir Shulenov, and Nodira Akhmedova each contributed bronze medals, while Aibola Yertaikyzy added another in women’s rhythmic gymnastics. These early victories reflect a strong start for the Central Asian country.

The 2025 World University Games are being held in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region from July 16 to 27. The event has drawn nearly 8,000 student-athletes representing over 2,000 universities from around the globe, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind.

Kazakhstan has sent a 76-member team competing across 12 disciplines, ranging from taekwondo and gymnastics to athletics and swimming.

Officials hope the athletes’ performance in Germany will serve as a platform to strengthen youth sports programs and inspire future university-level competitors.