(9 February 2026 | Source: Telegram channel ‘Astana - What? Where? When?’)
The rhythmic gymnastics sports school Izumrud is leaving the building in the Duman district of Astana after it was purchased by JSC ‘Otbasy Bank’. Parents and athletes of the Kazakhstan national team have expressed concerns that the closure of the only professional hall jeopardises the team’s preparation and participation in international competitions.
HOW THE CONFLICT DEVELOPED
On 18 July 2025, JSC ‘Otbasy Bank’ legally acquired the former ‘Duman’ hotel building and its adjoining territory from LLP ‘Company for Management of Returned Assets’. After registering ownership, the bank notified all users of the premises of the change of owner and the need to vacate the space.
On 19 December 2025, the Izumrud school was sent an official notice demanding that the rented premises be vacated by 1 March 2026. According to the bank, the school had not paid rent since August 2025 but continued its commercial activities. On 26 January 2026, representatives of the sports school reported that they had found an alternative hall and signed a lease agreement.
REASONS FOR VACATING THE PREMISES
In an official publication on the website of JSC ‘Otbasy Bank’, it is stated that the bank is acting within the framework of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is not entitled to lease out the property. Using the building exclusively for the bank’s departments is necessary to fulfil state functions. In Astana, the bank serves more than 466,000 clients, and the existing infrastructure does not meet current and future needs.
REACTION FROM PARENTS AND ATHLETES
Parents and athletes of the Kazakhstan national rhythmic gymnastics team have sent an appeal to the country’s President asking for the protection of children’s interests and national sport. They noted that this hall had been the venue for the professional training of the national team for a long time, a team that recently returned from the Kazakhstan Championships with gold medals.
WHAT WILL CHANGE
After the relocation and the opening of a public service centre at 2a Korgalzhyn Avenue, the premises previously occupied by the school will be used by the bank to serve clients and accommodate staff.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The total area previously rented by Izumrud was 4,658 sq m, including a large hall of 3,369 sq m and a small hall of 1,289 sq m. The rent was 3,298 and 2,020 tenge per sq m respectively. According to parents, the cost of classes at the school ranged from 28,000 to 43,000 tenge per week, depending on duration and frequency.