Young Turkmen tennis player Alihan Nuryagdyyev continues to confidently establish himself on the international stage. At the prestigious Astana Masters 10 & Under GA «Akim Cup» Round to TOP 8 international children's tournament, held from the 13th to 18th of July, 2026, in Astana, Kazakhstan, the 8-year-old alumnus of the Ashgabat Tennis Academy won gold in singles and bronze in doubles, confirming his status as one of the strongest players in his age category.
The competition took place on the courts of the Daulet Tennis Centre and brought together the best young tennis players in the 10 and under category. The tournament was held according to the rules of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Up to 64 athletes competed in the singles main draw, and 32 in the doubles, ensuring a high level of competition.
Alihan performed particularly well in singles, where the competition was held under an improved Olympic system with all places played out. Each match consisted of two sets best of four games. At 4-4, a seven-game tiebreak was played, and if the score was tied, a championship tiebreak of ten points determined the winner. At 40-40, a deciding point was played in each game, making each match especially tense.
Six wins on the way to the championship title
On his way to the gold medal, 13th-seeded Alihan Nuryagdyyev won six matches, demonstrating confident play, excellent technique, and a high level of mental resilience.
In the first round, the Turkmen athlete convincingly defeated Aslan Andijanov from Astana 4-1, 4-0. In the Round of 32, Alihan defeated Doshana Jarylkap from Aktobe, winning 4-0, 4-2. In the Round of 16, he faced Kahar Salgara from Astana. Despite stiff resistance, Alihan confidently controlled the match and won 4-0, 4-2.
In the quarterfinals, the Turkmen tennis player left no chance for third-seeded Emil Kadauov from Almaty, winning the match with a score of 4:1, 4:0.
In the semifinals, Alihan faced Lev Baturskiy of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to a confident and tactically sound performance, the Turkmen player secured a convincing victory – 4-1, 4-0.
The final match against second-seeded German Istomin from Almaty was a fitting conclusion to the tournament. Alihan took control from the first points, played confidently both at the baseline and at the net, and finished the match 4-1, 4-0, winning the international tournament.
Remarkably, in three decisive matches – the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final – Alihan lost only one game to his opponents, which was a clear indication of his high level of preparation and confident play at the most crucial moments of the competition.
Bronze in doubles
Alihan also had a successful performance in the doubles competition. He reached the semifinals with Kazakhstani tennis player Akmal Izbasarov from Astana, and then defeated the Kazakh duo Nikita Pan and Amirali Junusov 4-2, 4-2 in the third-place match, winning the bronze medal at the international tournament.
The second resounding success in a row
The victory in Astana was a logical continuation of brilliant performance of Alihan at the Aktobe Masters 10 & Under GA Road to TOP 8 international tournament, which took place from the 25th to 30th of May, 2026, in Aktobe.
Back then, the eight-year-old Turkmen tennis player caused a real sensation by winning two gold medals – in singles and doubles. Thus, in just two consecutive international tournaments, Alihan Nuryagdyyev won four medals, including three gold and one bronze.
Such consistency in results demonstrates not only the athlete's high level of training, but also his ability to successfully compete in the most prestigious international competitions among the strongest tennis players in his age category.
Alihan Nuryagdyyev, who turns 9 on October 24, is already one of the most promising young tennis players of Turkmenistan. He is a second-grader at the Joint Turkmen-Russian secondary comprehensive school named after A.S. Pushkin and successfully combines his studies with intensive training and participation in international competitions.
Coaches of Alihan, Yuriy Rogussky and Meylis Orazmuhammedov, have made a significant contribution to his athletic development. Under their guidance, Alihan has consistently improved his technical skills, tactical thinking, and psychological resilience.
Performance of Alihan Nuryagdyyev in Astana was further proof that the Turkmen tennis school successfully trains international-level athletes from a very early age. Victories at two major children's tournaments in Kazakhstan confirm the young athlete's high potential and allow him to look with confidence to his future athletic career.
