Kazakhstan’s national team has achieved a historic milestone at the 3rd International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI 2026), held in Astana from 2 to 8 August.
In the individual competition, the Kazakh team won eight medals: two gold, two silver, and four bronze. Remarkably, every member of the eight-person national team earned a medal, achieving a perfect 100% medal success rate. In the unofficial overall medal standings, Kazakhstan ranked 6th.
The standout performance came from Dauzhan Beketov, who not only won a gold medal but also finished second in the overall world rankings, placing him among the top three absolute champions of IOAI 2026. He became the first representative of Kazakhstan to reach the podium in the Olympiad’s overall individual standings.
Kazakhstan National Team Medalists
Gold Medals
- Dauzhan Beketov (Almaty, Lyceum No. 165) — Gold Medal and 2nd Place in the Overall Individual World Ranking.
- Sultanbi Isatai (Karaganda Region, Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Chemistry and Biology, Karaganda).
Silver Medals
- Abu Kanabek (Almaty, Republican Physics and Mathematics School).
- Alem Amenov (Abai Region, Bilim-Innovation Lyceum, Semey).
Bronze Medals
- Zhanibek Kassymkhan (Zhetysu Region, Nazarbayev Intellectual School, Taldykorgan).
- Ulugbek Usmanov (Zhambyl Region, Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics, Taraz).
- Islamnur Khusainov (Zhambyl Region, Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics, Taraz).
- Dinmukhammed Yntykbay (Zhambyl Region, Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics, Taraz).
Danabek Kaliazhdarov, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Competitive Programming Federation, noted that this achievement reflects the results of a long-term, systematic effort to develop competitive programming and artificial intelligence education among school students.
“Today we are witnessing the outcome of the dedication of our students, coaches, mentors, and the entire ecosystem we have been building. It is especially symbolic that such an outstanding result was achieved at a home Olympiad. These eight medals represent far more than sporting success—they demonstrate that Kazakhstan is already nurturing world-class young AI specialists capable of competing on equal terms with the strongest students in the world. I sincerely congratulate every member of our national team, as well as their parents, teachers, and coaches, on this remarkable achievement,”
Danabek Kaliazhdarov, Secretary General of the Kazakhstan Competitive Programming Federation.
The national team was prepared under the leadership of the Kazakhstan Competitive Programming Federation, with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Throughout the year, the students completed a multi-stage national selection process, intensive training camps, and specialized AI preparation under the guidance of leading Kazakh coaches and experts.
The team's outstanding performance further demonstrates the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s systematic approach to developing AI Olympiad education. The success of the national team highlights the country's high standard of AI training and reinforces Kazakhstan’s growing position among the world’s leaders in AI education and talent development.
This achievement is not only a major milestone for Kazakhstan’s national team but also a fitting conclusion to the successful hosting of the 3rd International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence. Hosting IOAI 2026 has demonstrated Kazakhstan’s ability to prepare young talents capable of competing with the world’s best in one of the most transformative fields of the 21st century—artificial intelligence.