Kok-Boru Federation Discusses Competition Schedule for 2026 The regular meeting of the Kok-Boru Federation's board addressed the 2026 competition schedule, focusing on the Republican inter-district games initially planned for February. Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of this event to the "Nooruz" tournament, impacting the readiness of top teams and horses. Consequently, a unanimous decision was reached to reschedule the inter-district games, with the 2026 season now commencing with the "Nooruz" tournament. Moreover, a proposal to divide the "Nooruz" tournament into three leagues - Premier, First, and Second - received significant support from the board members. The upcoming "Nooruz-2026" event is set to occur at the Cholpon-Ata City Hippodrome in the Issyk-Kul Region. Additionally, following a recommendation from the State Directorate for National Sports, a similar competition is planned in Osh City exclusively for clubs within the Southern League.

Deputy criticizes Deputy Minister for Protocol Breach Deputy Kurmankul Zulushev criticized the deputy minister of economy and commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, Choro Seyitov, during a Jogorku Kenesh Committee meeting. The bill, initiated by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, was presented by the deputy minister instead of the minister, violating committee protocol. Zulushev stressed the importance of adhering to committee rules and procedures, highlighting the necessity of notifying the committee in advance about speaker changes and ensuring the designated speaker is adequately prepared. He emphasized the need for order and proper protocol, stating that permission should be sought before allowing employees to respond to questions from deputies. Zulushev underlined the importance of following the law's clear definitions regarding the bill's presenter and authorized spokesperson.

Child from the Streets: Athlete's Inspiring Journey A sportsman from the Issyk-Kul region, who persevered through tough circumstances while living in a basement, has captured the authorities' attention and is now a focal point of public interest. Kubanych, who faced a challenging upbringing and numerous hardships, remained resilient. An orphan molded by the streets and life's struggles, this young athlete, always seen wearing his traditional Kyrgyz hat, shares his story in an exclusive interview. For the full interview, visit the website linked below.

Kyrgyzstan Introduces 24-Story Residential Buildings At the apartment handover ceremony by the State Mortgage Company, Kanat Tumurbekov, the head of the presidential affairs department, announced the introduction of 24-story residential buildings in Kyrgyzstan for the first time. He highlighted the significance of this event, stating that the President's directive to construct tall buildings annually is being implemented, with active high-rise construction taking place across the country. In the newly inaugurated residential complex "Muras," residents can enjoy a range of amenities, including children's playgrounds, and plans for a kindergarten and school on a 60-acre site. Emphasizing the focus on seismic safety, Tumurbekov reassured that all construction activities are closely monitored by experts and have obtained the necessary approvals to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.

Rare Snow Leopard Spotted in Kyrgyz Village In the village of Boroldoi in the Kemin district, a rare predator from the Red Book - the snow leopard (ak ilbirs) was sighted. The Ministry of Ecology reported that the incident took place on December 29 around 11:20 p.m. The snow leopard was seen descending into the village and climbing a tree. Wildlife officer J. Chokoiev and hunter U. Abykanov from the Chui Regional Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision quickly responded, safely bringing down the animal from the tree. The snow leopard holds a special significance for Kyrgyzstan as a symbolic animal, and each sighting is considered crucial for preserving the country's biodiversity. Known for its elusive nature and endangered status, the presence of this majestic creature in the village highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect these rare species in their natural habitat.

Public Transport Operating Hours Extended for New Year's Eve To enhance the convenience and safety of residents and visitors in the capital on New Year's Eve, the operating hours of public transport in Bishkek will be extended. On the night from December 31st to January 1st, public transport will run until 02:00-03:00, with over 300 buses operating on main routes to cater to city residents and guests. These extended operating hours are part of efforts to provide comfortable travel conditions and maintain public order and safety during the New Year's celebrations. The initiative aims to ensure that individuals can easily move around the city while enjoying the holiday festivities.

Globe Soccer Awards 2025: Usman Dembele Named Best Player of the Year The Globe Soccer Awards 2025 ceremony was held in Dubai on December 28th. French forward Usman Dembele from Paris Saint-Germain clinched the title of "Best Player of the Year." The esteemed Globe Soccer Awards is an annual event that celebrates remarkable achievements in the football industry. Winners across different categories are selected through a voting process. Dembele's successful season with PSG included 12 matches, with four goals and three assists. His contributions helped the team secure victories in the French championship, the country's Cup and Super Cup, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. The talented player's contract with PSG is in effect until June 30, 2028.

Monument Unveiling Ceremony to Honor Film Director Tolomush Okeev At the intersection of Chuy Avenue and K. Akiyev Street, a monument unveiling ceremony will take place on December 30th at 12:00 to honor Tolomush Okeev, a renowned film director and People's Artist of the USSR. Okeev's illustrious career began with the films "Zhylkylar" ("These are Horses") and "Bakaydyn Zhaiyty" ("The Sky of Our Childhood"), which gained international recognition. His filmography boasts popular titles like "Descendant of the White Panther" ("Kozhozhash"), "Ulan," "Red Apple," "Fierce," and "Mirages of Love." Throughout his career, Okeev received prestigious accolades such as the Lenin Komsomol Prize in 1967, the Toktogul Satylganov Prize in 1972, and the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1985. In a tribute to his contributions, Kyrgyzfilm Studio was renamed after Tolomush Okeev on November 1st, 2002, solidifying his lasting impact on the Kyrgyz film industry.

Reported Assault Leads to Detentions On December 28, 2025, at approximately 01:48, the emergency service "102" received a report about a group assaulting a man under an apartment building on Tynalieva Street. Law enforcement officers promptly responded to the scene and detained four individuals born in 1999 - S.A., I.A., U.S., and K.A. These individuals, who were intoxicated and causing public disturbance, were in violation of the Kyrgyz Republic's "On Silence" Law. They have been charged with petty hooliganism under Article 126 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and are currently held in temporary detention at the Interior Ministry's facility in Leninsky District.

Transition to Computer-Based Testing for Russian Language Exams for Migrants As of January 1, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Education announced that exams for migrants in Russian as a foreign language, Russian history, and legislative basics will exclusively shift to computer-based testing using distance technologies. This move aims to improve exam transparency, reduce human error in assessment, update tasks monthly, and discontinue the practice of publicly disclosing answers. Currently, these exams are available at 203 locations across Russia and beyond, with oversight managed by Rosobrnadzor. The transition to computer-based exams signifies a significant step towards modernizing the testing process and ensuring a more efficient and secure assessment method for migrants seeking to demonstrate their proficiency in the Russian language and related subjects.