Yerbol Khamitov Receives a Master’s Degree Grant at Kozybayev University

Today is a special day for our university. Within the walls of our alma mater, we honored a person who has proven to the world that limits exist only in our imagination. A student of Kozybayev University and a winner and medalist of the 2026 Paralympic Games, Yerbol Khamitov met with students and faculty.

Students welcomed the champion with warm applause, eagerly asked for autographs and photos, and posed questions about competing in Paralympic disciplines, managing emotions, and overcoming challenges.

We are sincerely proud that Yerbol Khamitov is a student of Kozybayev University, currently in his fourth year majoring in “Physical Culture and Sports.”

His success inspires the entire university community and serves as a powerful example for the youth of Kazakhstan: there are no barriers for those who pursue their dreams.

Today, Yerbol was awarded a grant to pursue a master’s degree. This is only a small part of what the university can do for a champion who not only raised our country’s flag on the world’s main sports stage, but also brought honor to his alma mater.

Chairman of the Executive Board – Rector Yerbol Issakayev congratulated the champion, noting that entire generations are inspired by such individuals and that this is a tremendous motivation for students.

“When we learned that Yerbol had won a bronze medal, we were very happy. But when he won gold, we began receiving congratulations from the Minister of Science and Higher Education and university rectors. I am very grateful to the teachers and coaches! Professional sport is challenging in itself, but when it is combined with hardship, pain, and obstacles that must be overcome, victory becomes especially valuable. This is truly a heroic medal! It has elevated our university to a very high level - now everyone recognizes the kind of professionals trained here!” said Yerbol Issakayev.

The meeting was also attended by Yerbol Khamitov’s coaches, who supported him on his journey to the Paralympic вершины. They emphasized that the victory did not come easily - it required hard work, discipline, and the ability to set and achieve goals every day. Notably, both mentors - the senior coach of the national para cross-country skiing and para biathlon team, Anton Zhdanovich, and coach Aslan Tokbayev - are graduates of our university.

Yerbol Khamitov expressed his gratitude to the university leadership, his coaches, faculty members of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports, sports veterans, and students. Addressing the younger generation, he emphasized the importance of never giving up, constantly overcoming oneself, and confidently moving toward one’s goals.

“Just a few months ago, I met with the Head of State, who handed me the national flag. I promised him that I would do everything possible to make the anthem of Kazakhstan be heard at the Paralympic Games - and I am glad we achieved that. During the first two days in biathlon, I struggled psychologically with shooting. When I arrived at the range, I felt the weight of responsibility, and it was difficult. But after winning bronze, it became easier. That is why, for me, the bronze medal is even more valuable than gold,” the champion shared.

His achievement at the Paralympics is not just a sporting victory - it is a powerful example of strength of spirit, perseverance, and belief in oneself. Yerbol Khamitov has proven that hard work, discipline, and determination can lead to the highest results.

Congratulations on the well-deserved awards! We are proud of you and believe in your future sporting success!