The photoshoot brought together representatives of 12 sports in which Kazakhstan plans to compete at the Games in Japan. The visual concept was based on a contemporary combination of sport and Kazakh national motifs.
Instead of traditional sportswear and training shots, an individual look was created for each participant. Costumes featuring elements of national ornament, jewellery, fabrics and textures were combined with sports equipment specific to each discipline. Boccia and sitting volleyball balls, shooting equipment, specialized gear and other recognizable elements of para sport became part of the images.
At the same time, the aim of the project was not to adapt sport to a national theme. While preserving the distinctive character of each sport, the creators sought to present para athletes in a format beyond traditional sports photography. Sports equipment therefore became an integral part of each image: flowers are combined with shooting equipment, national ornaments with specialized gear, and classic suits with attributes specific to particular sports. The project was photographed by renowned Kazakhstani sports photojournalist Ayan Nessipbekov.
Particular attention was paid to detail throughout the photoshoot. Prostheses, wheelchairs and specialized equipment are neither concealed nor highlighted as separate visual accents. Instead, they are naturally integrated into the composition alongside clothing, accessories and sports equipment.
The photo project is part of the information campaign being carried out by the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan ahead of Aichi-Nagoya 2026. In addition to the main photo series, individual photo and video materials have been prepared for each of the 12 sports. They will be released gradually as the national team continues its preparations for the Games.
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will take place in Japan from 18 to 24 October 2026. There are 50 days to go until the start of the Games.
“The Asian Para Games are a major competition for our entire national team. We are heading to the Games with a strong squad. Kazakhstani para athletes have already achieved significant results on the international stage, but an equally important stage lies ahead - competing in Japan. We want more people to know and support our para athletes and follow their performances at the Games. For each of them, this is an opportunity to represent Kazakhstan with distinction at one of the most important competitions of the season,” said Kairat Boranbayev, President of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
More photos are available on Instagram @kazparalympics
Photographer: @aianskiy
Photographer Assistant: @berdikabuloff
Studio: @photopark.kz
Lead Stylist: @zhidekkk
Stylist Assistant: @crazilio
Looks: @shoqansuits @sultankhan_kazakhstan @the_sol_kz @aida_kaumenova_fashion
Para athletes: Nikita @nikita_ermakov_arm Sevda @sevdaalieva Аisulu @ais_01kz Dastan @mukashbekov_dastan Ali @ali_amir_happy Siyazbek @siyazbek_daliyev Vazir @vazir.kz Akmaral @nauatbeka Yerkhat @sporterx.kz Kamilya @kamila_akylbay Aleksandra @aalexandra_stepp Yelena @elena_ast_v Rinat @rinat7267 Itiana @itiana.shingiskhanova Aizhan @butimbaevaaizhanym Almat Ospanov
