Serik Sapiev case: new head of Karaganda sports department appointed

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has approved Nurkhen Nuratov as head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of Karaganda region, reports Todayinfo.kz. The decision was made following a meeting of the commission for appointing heads of regional sports departments. Previously, Nuratov headed the Olympic Reserve Training Center of Almaty region. According to the ministry, the candidate has significant experience in the sports field. The commission comprehensively reviewed his professional background, managerial experience, and views on sports development in the region, making a positive decision. Recall that earlier the department was headed by Serik Sapiev. On January 21, 2026, he had a conflict with his deputy Dauren Yesimkhanov, the incident was captured on video. Later, both gave comments on the situation. On February 3, it became known that Sapiev and Yesimkhanov resigned from their positions voluntarily. And on March 25, Sapiev was appointed advisor to the President of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation on the development of this sport.