Nursultan Nazarbayev President of the Republic of Kazakhstan	Karim Massimov Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan President of FAMA President of Kazakhstan Muaythai Federation

The first President’s Cup was held in March 1993 and at that time was went under the name “Eluhan” Traditional International Tournament. The professional sporting club “Eluhan” was established in 1992 and is the main muaythai training camp in Kazakhstan.

In 2007 President’s Cup was held in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, and was truly an amazing event. With 7 fighters representing the best of Kazakhstan as well as 7 fighters hailing from across the world fighting for the World, European, Asian and Inter-continental belts.

In 1995 the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, visited the year’s event and participated in the opening ceremony. He was highly satisfied with what he observed there, in particular the fights themselves and the manner in which the tournament had been organised. So much so that since 1998 the event is formally titled the ‘Cup of the President of Kazakhstan’, shortened to the ‘President’s Cup’.

It is usually held at the end of March during the Nauryz holiday – the New Year according to the Iranian calendar. In the last few years the President’s Cup has transformed into a truly international championship with fighters from across Central Asia and the world fighting for the title of the best of the best.

This year Kazakhstan plans to repeat its success and organise the 2nd professional President’s Cup within the context of the President’s election campaign. Additionally, it is during this event that the 72 kg qualifier for the King’s Cup 2011 in Thailand will be held.

Such progress has been possible due to the state policy in Kazakhstan being oriented towards the promotion of sport with an emphasis on active and healthy living. The Winter Asian Games held in Almaty and Astana were one of the significant steps within this state policy and further stimulated the development of all kinds of sport within the state.

This year Kazakhstan celebrates 20 years of independence and is ready to show its achievements in all spheres of life – economy, industry, social sphere and, of course, sport.