Astana hosts Walking Football Challenge “Astana Legends”

Eight teams made up of players aged over 45 took part in the competition. The tournament was organised by the Kazakhstan Football Federation for the fourth time and continues to grow in popularity among football enthusiasts.\

The Walking Football Challenge is a social project aimed at promoting active ageing, improving health and encouraging physical activity. The walking football format allows people to continue playing the sport they love, maintain an active lifestyle and socialise regardless of age.

FC Batyr won the tournament, while FC Zhuldyz finished second and FC Älim claimed the bronze medals.

The following individual awards were presented after the tournament:

Best Goalkeeper – Bauyrzhan Baidalin (FC Älim)

Best Defender – Shadiyar Turganbayev (FC Armandas)

Best Midfielder – Askhat Kuandykov (FC Zhuldyz)

Best Player of the Tournament – Asan Zhakhanov (FC Batyr)

The main feature of walking football is that players are not allowed to run, with any violation resulting in a free-kick. Heading is also prohibited, while the ball must not rise above two metres. In addition, players are not allowed to enter the penalty area. This format places greater emphasis on passing accuracy, tactical awareness and teamwork.

This season, walking football tournaments will also take place in other cities across Kazakhstan: on 7 June in Karaganda, on 14 June in Kokshetau and on 28 June in Almaty.