Participation of International Students of the Faculty of Physics and Technology in the “National Sports Day” Event as a Tool for Intercultural Integration and Contribution to the SDGs

The Department of Internationalization and Recruitment of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University formally requested permission to release international students from academic classes in order to participate in the cultural and sports event “National Sports Day,” held on March 20, 2026. This participation was approved on the condition that all missed classes would be subsequently compensated in accordance with established academic regulations, thereby ensuring an appropriate balance between academic responsibilities and extracurricular engagement.

Within the framework of this event, the Faculty of Physics and Technology facilitated the participation of 29 international students enrolled in various educational programs, including physics, engineering, materials science, and related disciplines. The participants represented a diverse international cohort, including students from the People’s Republic of China, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, which significantly enhanced the multicultural dimension of the event and fostered intercultural dialogue within the academic environment of the faculty.

The “National Sports Day” program featured both demonstrations and active participation in traditional Kazakh national games, including Kazakh kuresi (traditional wrestling), asyk atu (a traditional game using sheep ankle bones), toguzkumalak (a strategic intellectual board game), arkan tartu (tug of war), and elements of altybakan as a traditional cultural and recreational activity. For international students, this provided a unique opportunity not only to observe but also to engage directly in national sports, thereby gaining experiential knowledge of their rules, values, and cultural significance.

Participation in these activities contributed to a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, strengthened teamwork skills, and enhanced communication competencies in a multicultural setting. Such initiatives have demonstrated high effectiveness as instruments of social adaptation, enabling international students to integrate more rapidly into the university community while reducing cultural barriers.

From a strategic perspective, this initiative aligns closely with the university’s priorities in internationalization and the enhancement of educational quality. The active involvement of international students in cultural and sports activities contributes to the development of their personal and social competencies and significantly increases their overall satisfaction with the learning experience.

The significance of the event is further reinforced within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it directly supports SDG 4 “Quality Education” by fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the engagement of students from diverse cultural backgrounds contributes to SDG 10 “Reduced Inequalities” and SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” by promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity.

Moreover, the intercultural interaction facilitated through this event contributes to SDG 17 “Partnerships for the Goals,” as it creates opportunities for strengthening international academic cooperation and building sustainable global networks. Such initiatives lay the foundation for future collaboration in both educational and research domains.

The Faculty of Physics and Technology consistently implements a comprehensive support model for international students, encompassing adaptation programs, academic and social support, and regular monitoring of student satisfaction. Participation in “National Sports Day” represents an integral component of this system and reflects the faculty’s commitment to internationalization, sustainable development, and the creation of a supportive and inclusive educational environment.

In conclusion, the participation of international students in traditional national sports activities should be regarded as an effective mechanism for intercultural integration, contributing to the strengthening of the academic community and enhancing the university’s international attractiveness and competitiveness.