Askar Zhanasbayev, an athlete from the city of Semey, continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Kazakhstan’s top bodybuilders. After winning the prestigious Arnold Classic Europe Championship last year — named after Arnold Schwarzenegger — he followed up with a strong second-place finish at the Binous Classic in Dubai.
Rising international recognition
Zhanasbayev’s success in Dubai quickly drew public attention. Following the competition, he gave several interviews, and by the next day, passersby were recognizing him on the streets and asking for photos.
Dominating at home
Before competing internationally, Zhanasbayev once again proved his dominance at home. At the 38th Open Championship of Kazakhstan, he captured the national title in the 90-kilogram division, becoming the absolute champion for the second consecutive year.
In Semey, he is widely known among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Zhanasbayev maintains an active Instagram presence, where he shares training tips, workout routines and glimpses into his personal life. He and his wife are raising three children — two daughters and a son — and frequently document their family travels.
A new generation of champions
The family’s athletic legacy is already continuing. Zhanasbayev’s daughter, Khanshaiym Askaryzy, made her competition debut this year at the First Cup 2025 tournament in Taraz, winning first place in the children’s fitness category. Her victory brought the Abay region its first gold medal at the Kazakhstan Championships.
Zhanasbayev says he personally trains his daughter. In addition to fitness competitions, she is a professional gymnast and is already preparing for her next event.
Training children: when and how to start
According to Zhanasbayev, children can begin training as early as age 5, provided they are closely supervised by adults. At that stage, the focus should be on general physical development, coordination, endurance and motor skills — not heavy weights.
Appropriate exercises include bodyweight movements such as pushups, squats and pull-ups, along with running, jumping, stretching and basic acrobatics.
Looking ahead
Zhanasbayev does not rule out training other children professionally in the future. He emphasizes that sports training supports not only physical development but also mental and emotional growth, helping children build discipline, self-confidence and teamwork skills.
