2025 Virtus World Tennis Championship Declared Open in Astana, Kazakhstan

The 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championship has officially kicked off at the Dualat Tennis Centre — marking the first-ever Virtus event in Central Asia! Backed by the International Tennis Federation, this landmark championship runs until May 11 and celebrates world-class athletes with intellectual impairment competing at the highest level.

The grand opening ceremony welcomed top dignitaries, including Ruslan Esenalin, Chairman of the Committee of Sports and Physical Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Vasily Levit, the Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Department of Astana, Lesley Whitehead, Virtus Tennis Director, Diaz Doskarayev, the Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation and many other dignitaries, setting the stage for a thrilling week of sport, inclusion, and inspiration.

Athletes from eight countries, Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, Kazakhstan, France, India, Italy, and Poland, marched into the court, waving at the audience during the opening ceremony. The attendees were treated with a very energetic, captivating and joyful Kazakh dance called ‘Samğau‘ performed by the “Naz” ensemble wearing amazing black and yellow traditional attire. This was followed by a ‘mime’ act.

Lesley Whitehead, Virtus Tennis director, welcomed all the esteemed dignitaries, coaches, officials, parents, international delegates and athletes to the 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships in Astana. Addressing the attendees, she says,

“I would like to thank IDSport for hosting this event, the first Virtus competition in this region. We will witness some unbelievably thrilling tennis moments on the court alongside incredible friendships, team spirit and sportsmanship both on and off the court as these athletes try to compete to their best abilities in their categories. These athletes will show us that intellectual impairment is no barrier to performing at a high level. I hope you all make a lot of happy memories and new friends.”

Talking about the development of Tennis in Kazakhstan, Dias Doskaraev, Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation said,

“Kazakhstan is placing significant focus on the development of inclusive tennis. Over the past three years, wheelchair tennis programs have launched in eight cities across the country. National events such as the Kazakhstan Cup and the Kazakhstan Championship are regularly held now. In 2024, our national team (for athletes with an intellectual impairment) was officially formed and participated in the World Championship. Two of our players are now ranked in the top 200 globally. Now, for the first time, we have the honour of hosting a world-class event in our country. I wish all athletes the best of luck.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, President of IDSport, expressed her wish to see Tennis included at the Paralympic Games one day.

Vasily Alekseyevich Levit, Head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of Astana, shared the importance of hosting this major event in Astana and how it will shape the sports culture in the country.

“For the first time in history, this prestigious championship is being hosted in Asia, and it is a great honour and responsibility for Astana to welcome it. Hosting such an important international tournament reflects the global sports community’s strong trust in Kazakhstan and highlights the steady progress of inclusive sports in our country. We sincerely thank the International Tennis Federation and Virtus for their trust and support.”

“The championship brings together athletes from across continents and contributes to the creation of an open, inclusive, and welcoming society where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential,” he added further.

“We are proud of every participant who stepped onto the court and believe that Astana will leave them with warm and lasting memories. We are confident that this competition will not only serve as a milestone in athletic development but also as a solid foundation for the further advancement of inclusive sports in Kazakhstan and beyond.”

“The Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the city of Astana extends its gratitude to all partners and organisers and wishes the participants fair play, outstanding victories, and inspiring connections.”

Athletes from eight countries will be competing in singles, doubles and mixed doubles championships across II1, II2 and II3 categories over the next few days to win the top spot. Five athletes from Astana, Almaty and Akkol will be representing the host country. Virtus wishes everyone ‘good luck’ for their competiton.

For the competition program and other information, visit the Astana 2025 website.