Kazakhstan Wins Two Gold Medals at Home Asia Triathlon Cup in Astana

On June 20–21, the Asia Triathlon Cup Astana 2026 took place at the Triathlon Park in Astana, becoming one of the largest triathlon events of the season in the region. The competition brought together more than 460 athletes from 20 countries, including top representatives of the Elite, Junior and Age Group categories.

 

Over two days, Kazakhstan’s capital welcomed leading triathletes from Asia and Europe, promising junior athletes and amateur competitors who battled for medals, World Triathlon ranking points and podium finishes at the international event.

 

Particular attention was focused on the Elite races. The sprint-distance competition, consisting of a 750 m swim, 20 km bike ride and 5 km run, delivered an incredibly close contest, with the gold medal decided only in the final meters of the race.

 

Kazakhstan’s Ayan Beisenbayev claimed victory in the men’s Elite race with a time of 54:05. Luxembourg’s Theo Marty finished second in 54:08, just three seconds behind the winner, while Czech athlete Radim Hrebik secured bronze in 54:09. Such a dramatic finish highlighted the exceptionally high level of competition.

 

In the women’s Elite race, Alina Khakimova of Uzbekistan took the gold medal with a time of 1:02:49. Manami Iijima of Guam finished second in 1:03:11, while Belarusian athlete Sofia Krivetskaya claimed bronze in 1:03:30.

 

The junior races were equally exciting. Young athletes demonstrated outstanding preparation, speed and tactical skills, confirming their status as rising stars of international triathlon.

 

In the Junior Men’s category, Belarusian athlete Marat Veratsennikau won gold with a time of 59:13. Russia’s Ilya Zolotov finished second in 59:25, while Iran’s Sadra Ebrahimi secured third place in 59:33.

 

One of the highlights of the event was the Junior Women’s race. Kazakhstan’s Aida Kimdelivered a brilliant performance to win gold in 1:08:09. Her compatriot Alua Nurmukhamettook silver in 1:08:11, only two seconds behind the winner, while Indonesia’s Kayla Nadia Shafa earned bronze in 1:08:40.

 

Kazakhstan’s athletes provided home fans with plenty to celebrate. Ayan Beisenbayev captured gold in the Elite Men’s race against a highly competitive international field, while Aida Kim secured another gold medal for the national team in the Junior Women’s category. Alua Nurmukhamet added a silver medal, giving Kazakhstan two places on the junior women’s podium.

 

As a result, Kazakhstan concluded its home Asia Triathlon Cup with two gold medals and one silver medal, once again demonstrating the strong development of triathlon in the country and the competitiveness of its athletes on the international stage.

 

As part of the Asia Triathlon Cup Astana 2026, Age Group competitions were also held on the standard Olympic-distance course consisting of a 1,500 m swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run.

 

A total of 156 individual athletes and 12 relay teams competed, bringing the overall Age Group participation to 192 athletes. Amateur triathletes had the unique opportunity to race on the same course as international competitors and become part of a major sporting celebration.

 

The Asia Triathlon Cup Astana was held under the auspices of World Triathlon and Asia Triathlon. The event was organized by the Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Committee for Sports and Physical Culture, the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Sports Development Directorate and the Akimat of Astana.

 

Hosting international events of this level in Kazakhstan’s capital contributes to the development of triathlon, enhances the professional level of athletes, coaches and technical officials, strengthens international sporting cooperation and promotes a healthy lifestyle among the population.