In Astana, the best players, coaches, and fans of the 2024–2025 basketball season were honored with the QBF AWARDS 2025, reports Adyrna, citing Tengrinews.kz.
The “Best Social Project” nomination was awarded to the “Halyk League,” a project supported by Halyk Bank. The bank has been funding this initiative since 2005. Over this time, more than 4,000 children from orphanages and boarding schools have received support through the project.
“Halyk Bank, in cooperation with the Basketball Federation, helps orphans find their path in life every year. Basketball teams have been formed in 18 orphanages across different regions of our country. With our sponsorship, these children are provided with full uniforms, sports shoes, and coaching by professional trainers,” said Janar Rakhimova, director of Halyk Bank’s Astana branch.
As part of the project, over 4,000 children have learned to play basketball. As a result, three children have become Masters of Sport, and more than 60 have achieved Candidate for Master of Sport status.
“Hundreds of children have chosen sports as their profession—some became coaches, others referees, and some players. Others simply gained confidence and found their path in life. This year, one more orphanage joined the Halyk League, bringing the total to 18. Currently, there are 18 male and nine female teams, compared to 16 male and eight female teams last year. Each year, the number of participating orphanages and children continues to grow,” added Rakhimova.
Winners were awarded by players and coaches from national and top league clubs, heads of regional federations, and representatives from the Ministry of Sports and Tourism and the National Olympic Committee. Awards were presented in 25 categories, covering professional, youth, amateur, 3x3, and inclusive basketball.
Thanks to the support of Halyk Bank, more than 400 children from orphanages and boarding schools in Atyrau, Taldykorgan, East Kazakhstan, Turkistan regions, and the cities of Petropavl, Pavlodar, Semey, Akkol, Ekibastuz, Karaganda, Almaty, Rudny, Kyzylorda, Shymkent, Oral, Taraz, and Zhezkazgan have started playing basketball in 2025.
“Halyk places great emphasis on social projects because we believe that sports not only promote physical development but also build character and confidence, helping participants take firm steps toward a brighter future,” emphasized Olga Vuross, the project’s curator.
As part of the “Halyk League,” the “Hope Cup” championship is held annually, where participants demonstrate all they’ve learned during training. This year, over 320 players from 18 regions of the country will take part in the “Hope Cup.” Last year, there were 288 participants from 16 regions. The championship will take place in Astana from June 30 to July 6.
According to the organizers of the QBF AWARDS, basketball in Kazakhstan today is more than just a sport. It shapes character, unites generations, and acts as a cultural bridge between regions and countries. It also serves as a platform where young talents chase their dreams, professionals sharpen their skills, and the nation’s name is represented on the international stage.
