About the President

Kairat Kairullinovich Zakiryanov

In 1976, he graduated from the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of Kazakh State University named after S.M. Kirov. From 1976 to 1979, he studied as a postgraduate at Abai Kazakh Pedagogical Institute. Between 1979 and 1995, he worked at East Kazakhstan State University, where he rose through the ranks from assistant to rector.

From 1995 to 1998, K.K. Zakiryanov served as Deputy Akim (Governor) of East Kazakhstan Region and Head of a Sector in the Internal Policy Department of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Since 1998, Kairat Kairullinovich Zakiryanov has been serving as President of the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism.

He played a key role in securing the right to host the 2017 Winter Universiade, held in Almaty from January 28 to February 5.

During these World Student Games, Kazakhstan achieved impressive results, taking 2nd place in the overall medal standings, with a total of 36 medals: 11 gold, 8 silver, and 17 bronze. Notably, 24 of these medals were earned by students of the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism — including 7 gold, 6 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

The XXVIII Winter Universiade in Almaty left a significant legacy for both the city and the country. Modern sports infrastructure was developed, including two major sports complexes — “Halyk Arena” (3,000 seats) and “Almaty Arena” (12,000 seats), where citizens can now practice various sports such as ice hockey, figure skating, curling, boxing, Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, sambo, and judo.

In addition, an Olympic Village with 5,000 beds was constructed. The Universiade attracted a large influx of international tourists and contributed to Almaty’s image as an international tourism center. As a result of hosting and preparing for the Universiade, Almaty truly became a global scientific, cultural, and sports hub.