In the year of the 30th anniversary of the Children of Asia Games, we continue to share the stories of alumni whose athletic journeys began at these competitions and led to great achievements. The heroes of the "An Alumnus Journey" column are athletes who today inspire the next generation and help develop children's sports.
The journey of the Bakbergenov sisters Zhamilya and Madina began at the Children of Asia Games. In 2012, at the 4th Children of Asia Games in Yakutsk, the young athletes represented Kazakhstan and won gold medals in wrestling in their respective weight categories. These Games became one of their first important international competitions and the beginning of their long athletic journey.
Today, the Bakbergenov sisters are successful athletes who continue to bring glory to Kazakhstan on international stage. Zhamilya Bakbergenova is a champion of the 4th Children of Asia Games, a four-time Asian Champion, and a silver and bronze medalist at the World Championships. Madina Bakbergenova is a champion of the 4th Children of Asia Games, an Asian Champion, a two-time Asian Championship bronze medalist, and a bronze medalist at the World Championships.
Today, Zhamilya and Madina continue not only to achieve success in sports but also to support the children's sports together with the Children of Asia International Committee. As alumni of the Games, they share their experience with young athletes and participate in projects aimed at nurturing future champions. Madina Bakbergenova presented the initiatives of the Children of Asia Games Alumni Union at the Olympic Council of Asia Athletes' Forum in Astana, emphasizing the importance of supporting the younger generation of athletes. She spoke about the opportunities the Alumni Union offers the next generation: "I've been involved in freestyle wrestling for 14 years, and my first international competition was the Children of Asia Games, which gave me an impetus to achieve great victories. Back then, young athletes didn't have opportunities they have today thanks to the Alumni Union's projects. Now, Games alumni, including world and Olympic champions, conduct master classes for children and share their experiences. It was precisely for this purpose—established athletes help young athletes—that the Children of Asia International Committee created the Alumni Union. I am very grateful that we are walking this path of supporting children's sports together."
The Bakbergenov sisters' journey is an example of how the first steps at the Children of Asia Games can become the beginning of a great sporting story. Today, they are help young athletes believe in themselves and strive for new heights.
