Central Asian Students Shine at 2025 Houston Mini Olympics in Sports and Cultural Competitions
Students from Central Asia shine in track, volleyball, chess, and more at Houston’s Mini Olympics.
Members of volleyball team Arise pose for pictures after capturing first place in a spirited volleyball contest for young adult males at the third annual Mini Olympics, hosted by Houston’s Raindrop Foundation and organized by Bright Choice Foundation. Photo courtesy of Olzhas Ertay
Central Asian students made a strong impression at the 2025 Mini Olympics, held April 18–20 at the Raindrop Foundation in Houston and organized by Bright Choice Foundation. The three-day event gathered young athletes to compete across 14 categories, including soccer, volleyball, track, table tennis, chess and more.
In track and field, Muhammed Kemelbek (Kazakhstan) earned first place in the young adult 100-meter race, while Enes Tor (Kazakhstan) took second in the 200-meter sprint. Abdullah Muhtar (Mongolia) took third in the young adult 100-meter race. In the 7th-8th grade division, Abdurrahman Abshukur of Kazakhstan earned first place in the boys’ 100-meter race.
The long-jump event saw Bekbolsun Samaganov (Kyrgyzstan) take first, with Abdullah Muhtar of Mongolia placing second and Abai Taavaldiev, also of Kyrgyzstan finishing third.
In volleyball, the Arise team captured the gold medal in the young adult male division. Team members included Emin Aktash (Russia), Olzhas Ertay (Kazakhstan), Abdurrahman Abshukur (Kazakhstan), Ibrahim Azamatuly (Kazakhstan), Murat (Turkey), Ali Kemelbek (Kazakhstan), and Mukhammed Kemelbek (Kazakhstan).
Supporters display the Kyrgyz flag courtside, bringing energy and national pride to the volleyball matches at the 2025 Mini Olympics.
The volleyball matches brought out passionate support from the crowd, with fans waving national flags and cheering loudly for their teams.
In other competitions, Aliburak Khuatbek of Kazakhstan won first place in the high school boys' penalty kick contest, while Daria Soltanova, also of Kazakhstan, placed third in the high school girls' Master Chef competition.
The chess events saw standout performances from Central Asian players. Erzhigit Kasymbaev of Kyrgyzstan claimed first place in the male high school and young adult division, with Islam Abdurrahmanov of Kazakhstan taking third. Aigerim Mitalipova (Kyrgyzstan) earned top honors in the female adult event.
In arm wrestling, Aivar Kamchybek uulu of Kyrgyzstan dominated the competition to a win the adult male division.
Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding performances and for proudly representing the Central Asian community!