The first award ceremony of the National Sports Prize 'Zhenimpaz rukhy' took place in Astana; Zhamilya Bakbergenova and Alexander Gerlits were named best athletes of the year in summer and winter sports respectively

Fossils of a woolly mammoth estimated to have lived between 40.000 and 15.000 years ago have been discovered near Novobratskoye village, Bulandy district on the bank of the Konyr River; the discovery contributes to the study of Ice Age fauna in Kazakhstan

An 11.000-seat UEFA-standard stadium has opened in Kyzylorda; the Kaisar Arena, a new multifunctional complex, includes venues for boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, taekwondo, weightlifting and facilities for people with special needs

A Potter Train, a new cultural and entertainment show will debut on 5 October; For the first time in Kazakhstan, a theatrical performance will be held aboard a commuter train, with actors dressed as characters from the Harry Potter universe

7,5 million foreign tourists entered Kazakhstan in the first half of this year, with overall revenues from tourist accommodation rising by 25%