Kazakhstan may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of winter sports, but the Central Asian nation has steadily built a reputation as a rising power in disciplines like biathlon, figure skating, and ice hockey. The country’s performance at the 2024 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo solidified its place as a contender, with Kazakh athletes earning several podium finishes in skiing and speed skating.

One of the standout athletes is Yulia Galysheva, who won a bronze medal in freestyle skiing, continuing her impressive career in the sport. Kazakhstan has also made significant strides in ice hockey, with the national team performing well in international tournaments and even earning promotion to the top tier of the IIHF World Championships.

Kazakhstan’s success in winter sports can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the construction of state-of-the-art training facilities and a growing interest in winter sports among the younger generation. The country has also benefited from the experience of Russian coaches, who have helped Kazakh athletes improve their skills and compete at the highest level.

With its sights set on future Winter Olympics, Kazakhstan is poised to continue its rise in winter sports, positioning itself as a formidable challenger to traditional powers in both Asia and the world.