KNUS founder Nurasyl Medeu donated the university to the state

Today, October 17, a solemn event took place at the Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS), dedicated to a new chapter in the university's history. Its founder, Nurasyl Medeu, officially announced the donation of the university to the state.

The event served as a symbol of the five-year journey of the university's formation and development, which, since its founding in 2021, has grown from a small academy with 150 students into a unique scientific and educational complex uniting nearly five thousand students.

"In 2021, when we opened the Academy of Physical Culture and Mass Sports, I had a great dream – to create a world-class sports university in Kazakhstan. A place where young people could unlock their talents, receive a high-quality international education, engage in science, and achieve success in elite sports," noted Nurasyl Medeu.

Over five years, KNUS has formed its own educational and scientific ecosystem, launched new educational programs, and implemented a number of international projects. Key achievements include the opening of a joint esports laboratory with the International Esports Federation, the creation of the Sport Media Lab with the participation of the Chinese news agency Xinhua, the launch of the Rescue Sports Center as part of the international RITA project, and the establishment of a Central Asian educational hub in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

A special place in the university's international activities is occupied by the opening of the Center for Olympic Studies, Education and Legacy in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee, the creation of the Center of Excellence and Sustainable Development in Sport jointly with the Hungarian University of Sports Science, and the implementation of the Women in Sport Kazakhstan project with the support of UN Women.

International academic mobility has become an important direction for development. The university has concluded agreements on the implementation of dual-degree programs with foreign universities. The first twenty master's students have already received dual degrees as part of the cooperation with Eclore Business School. Work continues on developing similar programs with universities in Sweden, the Republic of Korea, Italy, and Poland.

KNUS pays special attention to the accessibility of quality education. Thanks to the Life Chance Grant and Merit Grant established by Nurasyl Medeu, talented young people – primarily from remote rural regions – are given the opportunity to study and realize their potential. The Merit Grant fully covers tuition costs, while the Life Chance Grant additionally provides a monthly stipend, mentorship support, dormitory accommodation, and funding for studies abroad.

The students' results confirm the university's high potential. According to the founder, out of 17 KNUS students representing Kazakhstan at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, 14 won medals.

"A university is not a building or walls. A university is a strong teaching staff, unique programs, a properly structured educational process, and successful educational work," emphasized Nurasyl Medeu.

He described the decision to donate the university to the state as a conscious step, which he had been working toward since the university's founding.

"I want to put an end to any speculation and declare that this is not a sale, not a transfer to trust management, and not a forced step, but a gratuitous gift to my home country," stated the founder of KNUS.

He also emphasized that all obligations to current students remain in full effect, including previously granted founder's scholarships. According to him, the funds for the full financing of these grants for the entire period of the students' studies have already been placed in the university's account, and the corresponding obligations will be legally secured.

"It is a great honor for me to make such a contribution to the future of Kazakhstan. Everything we have created must serve our youth, our sports, and our country," noted Nurasyl Medeu.

Concluding his address, the founder compared the university to a ship ready for a long voyage and expressed confidence in its further development.

"Today, I proudly send this ship on its journey. Ahead lie new discoveries, new generations of students, and new reasons to raise the flag of Kazakhstan on the international stage!"

As part of the solemn event, Certificates of Honor and Letters of Gratitude were presented to the university's faculty and staff for their contribution to the establishment and development of the university, as well as certificates to students for the awarding of founder's grants. The festive program was complemented by an ethnic dance performed by KNUS students, reflecting respect for the national traditions and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.

The gratuitous transfer of KNUS to the state marks the beginning of a new stage in the university's development and the continuation of work on training highly qualified specialists, developing sports science, and strengthening Kazakhstan's international authority in the field of sports.