Kazakhstan’s National Team Returns to Asian Games Equestrian Competition After 12 Years

After a 12-year absence, Kazakhstan’s national equestrian team will once again compete at the Asian Games. Four riders and their horses will represent the country at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

The team consists of Oleg Sokolenko, Raisa Sokolenko, Nurila Turisbekova, and Ksenia Batalova. The athletes have been preparing systematically for the competition, building strong partnerships with their horses and carefully working toward the international event.

The equestrian competitions will be held at JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo, Japan. The venue, which has an Olympic history, will once again welcome Asia’s leading equestrian athletes.

Kazakhstan’s representatives will compete in show jumping.

According to the competition schedule, the first and second rounds of the team final will take place on October 1. The first round of the individual final is scheduled for October 3, followed by the second round of the individual final on October 4.

In the team final, riders will face obstacles ranging from 1.40 to 1.45 metres in height. In the individual final, the obstacles will reach 1.50 to 1.55 metres.

Success in show jumping depends not only on the rider’s skill but also on the harmony between the athlete and the horse. Behind just a few minutes of competition are years of preparation, thousands of hours of training, and a deep bond of trust between rider and horse.

Kazakhstan’s return to equestrian competition at the Asian Games marks an important milestone for the country’s equestrian sport. Four athletes will represent Kazakhstan in Tokyo and carry the nation’s colours on the international stage.