The 2025 Virtus World Basketball And World Tennis Championship Are Coming To Kazakhstan

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Virtus is delighted to announce that the 2025 Virtus World Basketball and 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships are making their way to Kazakhstan. Virtus member – Federation of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Development Disabilities- IDSport will host the events.

The 2025 Virtus World Basketball Championship will be held from June 12th to 24th, 2025, at the Zhekpe-Zhek Arena and Saryarka Velotrek in Astana. This event is supported by the Kazakhstan Basketball Federation (FIBA National Federation) and the Government of Astana, ensuring top-tier facilities and organizational expertise. Both venues hold FIBA certification and have a history of hosting international events, guaranteeing a world-class experience for all participants.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championship will take place from May 5th to 10th, 2025, in Astana. Under the leadership of Dave Miley, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, and Yerik Ilyassov, a seasoned organizer with extensive experience in both national and international sports events, this championship promises to deliver high-quality competition and excellent organization. Miley’s decades-long tenure with the ITF and Ilyassov’s successful history in organizing significant sports events underscore the expertise behind this event.

Hosting two international events the IDSport President in Kazakhstan Ms Dina Temirgaliyeva stated,

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing these international events to not only Kazakhstan but also the Asian continent for the very first time and know that we have all the resources and a professional team to create world-class events with a warm welcome in the heart of Eurasia. Our commitment to the principles of inclusion and equality in sports will attract all athletes and sports organizations in the country.”

The Local Organizing Committee anticipates that these two events will promote inclusivity, raise awareness of intellectual impairment, and inspire athletes nationwide. They also aim to change societal perceptions and increase the visibility of people with intellectual impairment. By showcasing their abilities and informing the public about their potential and achievements, the event hopes to foster greater understanding and support.

“Virtus Kazakhstan is one of our very new Virtus members and they have already hosted the 2024 Virtus World Half Marathon and 10k Road race last year which was a fantastic experience for us and the athletes. We have full confidence that they will host these two events perfectly too”, said Virtus President, Marc Truffaut.

“Kazakhstan’s role as the sole Central Asian representative in the Virtus Association provides an opportunity to engage neighbouring countries, enhance regional participation in future Virtus events and inspire more athletes with intellectual impairment to practice and compete in sports”, he further added.

The legacy of these championships is anticipated to mark strong partnerships with national sports federations and support from the local executive body of Astana and the Ministry of Sports and Culture. The events will lay the foundation for sustainable opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment in Kazakhstan and beyond, advancing the global movement for inclusive sports.

More information about the event will be available on Virtus website soon.