Photo: Astana Motors founder Nurlan Smagulov, Astana Motors CEO Beknur Nesipbayev, FC Kairat CEO Kairat Boranbayev, head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin, and goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.

After the sensational victory over Celtic, Nurlan Smagulov, founder of Astana Motors, met with the players and personally congratulated head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin and goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.

Kazakhstan football is experiencing a historic moment – Almaty club Kairat sensationally qualified for the main stage of the Champions League, defeating legendary Scottish side Celtic. After two goalless matches, the team’s ticket was decided in a penalty shootout. The composure of the Kairat players proved decisive, and for the first time in its history, the club qualified for Europe’s main club tournament.

The historic victory was celebrated by one of the country’s most prominent businessmen, Nurlan Smagulov, founder of Astana Motors, which includes Hyundai’s authorized distributor in Kazakhstan.

The businessman personally congratulated the coaching staff and presented head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin with the keys to a brand-new Hyundai Palisade, emphasizing the symbolism of the occasion. The choice of gift was no accident. The Hyundai Palisade is the brand’s flagship crossover, created for those who value technology, reliability, and prestige.

“We are proud of your victory. This is a huge step not only for Kairat but for all of Kazakhstani football. We sincerely wish you continued success and are always ready to support your team. We believe that Kairat can surprise Europe.” You have a match coming up against legendary Real Madrid, which will be held in Almaty. This is a global event, and we will be rooting for you. You are developing Kazakhstani football, and we are developing the Kazakhstani auto industry. Together, we are working for the benefit of our country. This car, like the entire Hyundai lineup, is produced at our Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan plant in Almaty. An Almaty car for an Almaty football club,” said Nurlan Smagulov.

President of Almaty-based Kairat Kairat Boranbayev pointed out that the club achieved such success under the guidance of the Kazakhstani coach, who, as a footballer himself, played for Kairat and the Kazakhstan national team for many years.

Photo: head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin and goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.

Rafael Urazbakhtin thanked them for the honor and praise, noting that this was a victory for the entire football staff and players.

“It’s a great honor for me, first and foremost, to receive such gifts. Thank you for your attention and your trust. I’d also like to point out that this isn’t just my achievement; it’s primarily that of the players, the coaching staff, the medical staff, and our entire football club. I’d also like to thank our fans, who have always supported us and believed in us. We will do our best to continue to delight our Kazakh fans with new achievements and victories,” said Kairat’s head coach.

Photo: Rafael Urazbakhtin signs the FC Kairat jersey.

FC Kairat and Kazakhstan national team goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov was also in attendance. Nurlan Smagulov presented him with an Apple MacBook and, after shaking his hand, said that the young footballer had “his whole life ahead of him.”

Astana Motors systematically invests in cultural, sports, educational, and social projects, and football, in this case, became a platform where national pride and the values of the company and the Hyundai brand intersected.

Photo: Astana Motors founder Nurlan Smagulov, head coach Rafael Urazbakhtin, and goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov.

The new-generation Hyundai Palisade was unveiled in Kazakhstan in August. The car is available at all Hyundai dealerships. To learn more about the model, go to the website.