The VII Winter Universiade of the Republic of Kazakhstan started in Pavlodar. About 2000 students from 36 universities of Kazakhstan will compete for the title of the Universiade champion.

The honor of Pavlodar region will be defended by more than 300 athletes, including students of S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University.

The outstanding opening of the Republican Universiade took place in the “Astana” ice palace. Participants and guests of the sports games were greeted by akim of Pavlodar region Bulat Bakauov noting that Pavlodar residents are happy to host winter student games on their land.

Competitions will be held in two stages in nine sports. From 1st to 6th March athletes will take part in ski races, winter Presidential all-around, futsal among men and women, and basketball.

In the second stage, competitions in five kinds of sports are planned, such as arm wrestling, kettlebell lifting, winter orienteering, powerlifting and Kazakh kuresi.

The VII Winter Universiade will end on 11th March, and the closing ceremony will be held at S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University.