On June 22, a traditional football tournament was held in Astana to celebrate the upcoming Day of the Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is officially marked on July 2. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the annual event served as more than just a sports competition — it became a symbol of unity, mutual support, and healthy rivalry among Kazakhstan’s diplomatic corps.
“This tournament is held every year as part of the Diplomatic Service Day celebrations and is organized by the Association of Kazakhstani Diplomats. We regularly host both sports and intellectual activities — just recently we held billiards and chess tournaments. And now, it’s time for the number one sport in our ministry: football. Today we even welcomed guests, which has become a wonderful tradition that shows being a diplomat is not just about paperwork at a desk — it’s also about personal development, including physical wellbeing. Team-building is essential, and sport is a great way to strengthen our collective spirit. We're especially glad to see families and children here today — everyone’s smiling, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. We hope events like this continue at the same high level and keep bringing our diplomatic community closer together,” said Medet Makulzhanov, Director of the Human Resources Department of the MFA of Kazakhstan.
The tournament brought together teams representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, First Deputy Minister A. Rakhmetullin, Deputy Ministers R. Vassilenko, E. Konyspaev, A. Bakaev, A. Kuantyrov, and Chief of Staff A. Sainov, as well as a guest team from the Presidential Administration. Matches were played in an atmosphere of camaraderie, enthusiasm, and mutual respect, uniting participants beyond their formal roles.
“The tournament left a great impression. Most importantly, it gives us a chance to see our colleagues — something that’s not always possible due to our busy schedules. But here, we’re all together, happy and cheering — especially those who win! It’s truly inspiring to see how sport brings us closer. After the tournament, we go back to being diplomats. But today, we’re united by a shared purpose — serving our country. It’s a joy to see everyone without their ties and suits, just enjoying the moment. I’d like to congratulate everyone on our professional holiday. This tournament has become a cherished tradition in our team and continues to grow stronger every year. This time, everything came together last minute, but even so, we made it out of the group stage and put on a great game. This tournament is a true celebration of football and team spirit — and every year, it lives up to expectations and brings unforgettable emotions. Winning or losing, this is more than just a game — it’s a symbol of unity, dedication, and our shared passion,” said Nurdaulet Arystanbekov, Second Secretary of the Asia-Pacific Department.
Football has long been part of the MFA's corporate culture, strengthening relationships and offering a more informal platform for communication. This year’s winning team represented Deputy Minister E. Konyspaev, who faced off against Deputy Minister A. Bakaev’s team in a hard-fought final. In a match where neither side wanted to give up the gold, the game ended 1-0.
“The matches were intense and energetic. In our first game (Team of Deputy Minister A. Kuantyrov), we started strong, controlled the ball well, and even scored the opening goal. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough — the opponent came back with two goals, and we lost. In the second match, we were more focused and managed to draw — a solid result. We came into the third match with a good attitude, but the other team proved stronger, and we lost 1-0. Still, we held our ground and tried to work together. You could tell the opposing team had experience and chemistry. We only had one short practice before the tournament, and not even with the full squad — yet we managed to unite and show real character. The tournament itself was very well organized — you could feel that it’s become an established tradition among diplomats, everything ran smoothly, like clockwork. This was my first time participating. I want to wish all diplomats the best — because in many ways, they are like forwards on the front lines of international relations, working for peace and preventing conflict. May they continue fulfilling their vital mission and help build a more peaceful world,” shared Almas Khamza, Project Manager at Kazakh Invest National Company.
The third-place match was no less exciting and ended with the same score as the final. The team of First Deputy Minister A. Rakhmetullin took on the Minister’s team in a tense and well-balanced game. Both teams defended fiercely, but in the closing moments, the Minister’s team secured the victory and claimed the bronze.
“It was such a pleasure to take part in a football tournament among our diplomatic community. The warm atmosphere, the team spirit, and all the positivity made it a perfect way to celebrate our professional holiday!” said Yerlan Utegen, Advisor at the Communications Department.
Winners were awarded trophies, and several players received special recognition. The tournament’s top scorer was Miras Ashimov, Head of the State Borders Division of the International Law Department. Best goalkeeper went to Samat Madaniyatov, Attaché of the Department for Russia, the Caucasus, and European CIS countries. The title of Best Player of the Tournament was awarded to a specialist from the Consular Service Department. Yet above all, what defined the day was the sense of unity and the celebration of the diplomatic profession.
“It was a tough battle, but that only made it more interesting. Every match was intense. You could tell that everyone gave it their all. I wish everyone success — on and off the field. May this day bring lasting memories, renewed energy, and a reminder of how important it is to be part of a team — not just in sport, but in life,” said Maktalbek Seyduali, Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the MFA.
The tournament reminded everyone once again that diplomacy and sport share many common values: strategy, resilience, fair play, and teamwork. Just like on the football field, every move and decision in diplomacy can change the outcome. And the ability to support each other in challenging moments is what ensures long-term strength and success. Events like this not only promote physical wellbeing but also lift the spirit of the diplomatic corps, inspiring new accomplishments in service of the nation.
