Kazakh National University of Sports Joins Global Olympic Studies Network — First in Central Asia
The Astana-based university has joined the IOC-coordinated academic network of Olympic studies and will set up a Center for Olympic Studies, Education and Legacy.
The Kazakh National University of Sports in Astana has joined the Academic Olympic Studies and Research Centres network, becoming the first university in Central Asia to do so.
According to The Times of Central Asia, the university announced the move on 17 September.
What is the network?
The network connects institutions researching the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement. About 80 such centres operate worldwide.
It is coordinated by the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Studies Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland. Kazakhstan's National Olympic Committee supported the bid.
Membership lets the Astana centre collaborate with universities and research centres abroad and exchange research and teaching practices.
A new centre
The university will develop a Center for Olympic Studies, Education and Legacy. It will research Olympic history, values and long-term legacy.
Olympic studies will also be integrated into the university's sports-science and education programmes.
Context: the new campus (July 2026)
According to The Astana Times, the university opened a new campus in Astana in July 2026. Its founder is Nurasyl Medeu.
At the opening, Honorary Professor titles were awarded to Nenad Lalovic, President of United World Wrestling, and Vlad Marinescu, President of the International Esports Federation.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov inspected the campus. Serik Zharasbayev is Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The institution was established to address the evolving needs of the sports sector and to educate a new generation of coaches, researchers, sports physicians, teachers and managers capable of competing at the highest international level.
— Nurasyl Medeu, founder of the university (at the new campus opening, July 2026, The Astana Times)
By the numbers
- Olympic studies centres worldwide: about 80
- First university in Central Asia to join
- Coordinator: IOC Olympic Studies Centre (Lausanne)
- Announcement date: 17 September 2026
- New campus opening: July 2026
Why it matters
Membership lets Kazakhstan develop academic research on Olympic history and values and connect with the international scholarly community.