Citi and Kazakhstan Para Volleyball Federation Announce Continued Partnership
Astana, Kazakhstan, April 14, 2025 – The Kazakhstan Para Volleyball Federation and Citibank Kazakhstan JSC (affiliated with Citigroup) announced the continuation of their partnership to provide meaningful support to the development of para volleyball in Kazakhstan. Citi began supporting the Kazakhstan national para volleyball team in 2024, ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This year, Citi is focusing its efforts on advancing women’s para volleyball, a vital and promising direction in Paralympic sport.
In 2024, the men’s national team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Games for the first time in 28 years, securing a victory over China in the final match of the Asian Championship. Thanks to Citi’s support, the team underwent a full-scale, high-performance training program. For the first time in the history of Kazakhstan’s Paralympic sport, the preparation process included a dedicated scientific-medical support team including a nutritionist, sports doctors, and massage therapists. Additionally, the team was equipped with modern, professional-grade gear and equipment that met international standards. As a result, Kazakhstan’s team proudly represented the nation, finishing among the top five teams in the world.
Citi is a long-standing partner of Paralympic sport in Kazakhstan, a program of the International Paralympic Committee aimed at changing perceptions of people with disabilities and providing a platform for Paralympians and their supporting organizations to stimulate social progress. Citi proudly supported Kazakh teams at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games in 2022 and the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024. In 2025, Citi is continuing its commitment by supporting the development of women’s para volleyball. With the bank’s assistance, essential equipment and gear were purchased, and the first-ever Women’s Para Volleyball Cup of Kazakhstan was successfully held.
“Para volleyball is a modified version of able-bodied indoor volleyball for people with impaired lower limb function. It not only helps improve physical health and build strength, but also plays a vital role in social integration. For women with disabilities, it offers a sense of belonging, mutual support, and a chance to grow both emotionally and professionally. Thanks to Citi’s support, we brought together five teams from across the country for the inaugural national cup – a major milestone in the growth of women’s para sport in Kazakhstan”, said Bauyrzhan Takhauov, Head Coach of the Kazakhstan National Team.
Following the tournament, the top-performing athletes were selected for the national team, which is now preparing to compete in the Asian Championship to be held in China in June 2025.
“At Citi, we are committed to supporting initiatives that help individuals unlock their full potential and contribute to the sustainable development of society. Supporting women’s para volleyball in Kazakhstan reflects these values – we believe that access to sports and opportunities for self-realization can be a starting point for positive change, both for individuals and for the broader community”, said Saule Zhakayeva, Chairperson of Citibank Kazakhstan JSC.
Editorial information:
The Kazakhstan Para Volleyball Federation is a public association established in 2018, with the main goal of developing and popularizing para volleyball in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It has the recognition of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and members of the Para Volley Asia and the World Para Volley.
Media contact: Kuralay Ashimkhanova, +7 707 145 5734, kazparavolley@gmail.com
Citibank Kazakhstan JSC, an affiliate of Citigroup, is one of the leaders in the Kazakhstan’s banking industry. Citi acts as a strategic partner to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, major international investors, and top national corporations. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: youtube.com/citi | Facebook: facebook.com/citi
License #1.2.247/81/30 dated February 3, 2020, issued by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market.
Media Contact: Meruert Sukhankulova, +7 727 332 1469, meruyert.sukhankulova@citi.com