Kazakhstan's Almaty city has officially received a certificate confirming its status as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Sports Capital for 2026.

The certificate was presented during a ceremony attended by Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev, CIS Deputy Secretary General Nurlan Seitimov and Almaty Sports Department head Darkhan Nurkhanuly, according to kazpravda.kz.

The Sports Capital status highlights Almaty’s contribution to the development of sports, its role in hosting major international and national competitions, and efforts to strengthen sports cooperation among CIS countries.

Throughout 2026, Almaty is hosting international and national tournaments, mass sporting events and initiatives promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Officials said the certificate presentation was one of the key events marking Almaty’s year as the CIS Sports Capital.