UAE President’s Cup 2025: Tournament Overview and Key Takeaways for the Kazakhstan Equestrian Federation
From November 26 to 30, 2025, Moscow hosted the 4th UAE President’s Cup in Show Jumping — a unique sports and diplomatic event that in just a few years has become an important part of the Eurasian equestrian calendar.
The tournament stands out for its special format: the President’s Cup is held outside the initiating country, emphasizing its international status and deep cultural significance. The initiator and patron of the event is Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Sultan Essa Al Jaber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Russian Federation, who previously worked in Kazakhstan and is well familiar with equestrian development in the region. His personal involvement gave the event a high representative level.
The Kazakhstan Equestrian Federation was represented by an official delegation consisting of:
• Dauren Akhmetov, Vice President,
• Sergey Buikevich, Advisor to the Federation President,
• Aset Tolkumbekov, Head Coach,
• Azamat Khasenov, National Coach.
The delegation observed the tournament from the second-floor viewing gallery, allowing a full assessment of the organizational and technical aspects.
The competition took place in an evening format in the indoor arena of Maxima Park.
The stands were completely full, with spectators standing in aisles and corridors — clear evidence of significant public interest. The sports program was complemented by performance elements, turning the event into a vibrant equestrian festival.
The level of difficulty was exceptionally high.
The Grand Prix on November 29 was held at the maximum Olympic height — 160 cm.
The course included:
• 15 jumps,
• 12 obstacles,
• 2 rounds (gaits).
Twenty-three pairs from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and other countries competed.
The winner was Sergey Petrov (Russia), with Andrey Lysenko (Kyrgyzstan) taking second place.
Several riders retired mid-course due to the extreme technical difficulty.
The tournament demonstrated that the region has athletes capable of performing at world-class standards.
Kazakh riders did not participate this year. However, according to Sergey Buikevich, Advisor to the Federation President,
the Kazakhstan national team is ready to compete at this height.
Results from the 2025 spring season confirm that Kazakhstan’s top riders meet the necessary performance level.
The upcoming season will be crucial: the national team is preparing for international starts, including the World Cup stage in Astana, the Eurasian League Final, and preparations for the Asian Games. These events serve as a foundation for strengthening the national show jumping school.
The President’s Cup is significant for the Eurasian Equestrian Association, which unites 11 countries of Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The tournament demonstrates that cooperation within the association enables the creation of competitive, high-level events that attract broad audiences.
Its organizational practices and sporting standards are seen as a benchmark the Kazakhstan Federation aims to adopt.
According to Dauren Akhmetov, Vice President of the Federation, the tournament showcased a clear organizational structure, a thoughtful sports program, and courses built using high-class horses, ensuring a strong technical level. Observing such competitions provides valuable practical insight into international standards, which can be applied to improve Kazakhstan’s own events.
Endurance remains a key area of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UAE.
Kazakh riders successfully compete in endurance events in the Emirates, while UAE judges, veterinarians, and organizers regularly participate in competitions held in Almaty, Mangystau, and other regions.
The Aday horse breed has already proven competitive in endurance racing, giving the discipline strong potential for future growth.
Astana is strengthening its role as a regional sports hub.
Hosting the Eurasian League Final in 2026 is regarded by international partners as an expression of trust — and a responsibility for the Federation to deliver world-class organization.
The UAE President’s Cup has become a clear example of how a sporting arena can serve as a platform for international dialogue, cultural exchange, and strengthening relations between nations.
According to Sergey Buikevich, the key conclusions for Kazakhstan are:
• expanding international participation of Kazakh athletes,
• deepening cooperation with foreign partners,
• strengthening engagement with embassies represented in Astana.
This format enhances both the sporting and cultural-diplomatic dimensions of equestrian development in Kazakhstan.