ENU Holds a Togyzkumalak Master Class for Silver University Participants

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted a meeting entitled “Bridging Generations Through Togyzkumalak.” The event was organized by ENU’s Institute of Continuing Education and Physical Training and Sports Department as part of the “Dialogue Between Generations” project.

The special guest was Aidyn Zhakiyev, a member of Kazakhstan’s national togyzkumalak team at the 2026 World Nomad Games. He conducted a master class for participants, explained the distinctive features of this traditional Kazakh intellectual game, and played several matches with them.

A special highlight of the meeting was the experience shared by Saule Baimaganbetova, a participant in the Silver University programme. For five years, she has been teaching older adults to play togyzkumalak. During this time, the traditional game has become a leisure activity for more than 1,000 people.

“The most important thing is that many of them have purchased their own game boards and now play at home with their children and grandchildren. Intergenerational connections are important in every aspect of life, especially when it comes to passing on our intellectual heritage,” Saule Baimaganbetova noted.

The meeting concluded with a togyzkumalak tournament that brought together participants from both older and younger generations.