The athlete secured the title on his second attempt.
The winner of the "Kazakhstan Barys-2023" tournament in traditional Kazakh wrestling, known as "Kazakh Kuresi," is Pvt. Galymzhan Kyrkbai, a conscript student of the Central Sports Club of the Sports Committee of the Ministry of Defense. He was awarded the championship belt and 25 million KZT for his victory, as reported by Sarbaz.kz correspondent.
During the tournament held in Astana on the 2nd of July, Kyrkbai has proved to be stronger than the representative from the Mangystau Region, Nurdaulet Zharylgapov, in the final match. On his way to victory, the representative from the Zhambyl Region overcame opponents such as Elaman Ergaliev from the Kyzylorda Region, Arman Kaliev from the Atyrau Region, and Sayat Shamchiev from the East Kazakhstan Region. Kyrkbai fought against another military serviceman, Marat Baikamurov, in the semifinals to secure his spot in the final. A total of 41 athletes from all regions of the country participated in the competition.
Galymzhan Kyrkbai claimed the title on his second attempt. In 2021, he also reached the final of the "Kazakhstan Barys" tournament but has lost to Dauran Nuralinov from the East Kazakhstan Region. In 2022, Kyrkbai was eliminated in the semi-finals and ultimately became a bronze medalist. Now, the athlete possesses a complete set of awards from the tournament.
Galymzhan Kyrkbai holds the title of an international-class master of sports in judo. In 2019, he became the judo champion at the World University Games.