Bakhtiyar Karipullaevich Artaev, born March 14, 1983 in Taraz, Kazakhstan (formerly known as Zhambyl), is a prominent boxer and Olympic champion. Throughout his career, he won awards at the World Championships and Asian Games, and also became the champion of Kazakhstan ten times. Bakhtiyar is also recognized as an Honored Master of Sports of Kazakhstan and has been awarded several state awards.
Family and childhood
Bakhtiyar grew up in Taraz as a slender, homely boy, but from an early age he showed a strong character. He was always ready to stand up for himself and protect his friends, often finding himself involved in street fights. Realizing his potential, Bakhtiyar's father introduced him and his older brother Bakhyt to boxing when Bakhtiyar was ten years old. Under the guidance of his first coach, Nurlana Akurpekova, he quickly distinguished himself and became the winner of regional championships. Bakhtiar credits his coach with playing a key role in his development, almost like a second father, providing constant support and encouragement.
Life outside of sports
Bakhtiyar - comes from a close-knit family, the son of Karipulla Bibasarovich and Tumarkul Umurtaevna, has two brothers - Bakhyt and Nauryz. On April 18, 2009, he married Saltanat, with whom he was married for more than ten years and during this time they had four children. In 2012, Bakhtiyar experienced tragedy when his parents and two nieces were involved in a car accident while returning home from Shymkent to Taraz, resulting in the death of both parents.
Athlete career
Bakhtiyar Artayev's path in sports was not just impressive - it is a story of personal triumph and tireless determination. Beginning his boxing career under the supervision of coach Nurlan Akurpekov, Bakhtiyar won his first national championship at age 15. His early success was not just a testament to his talent, but also a glimpse into his future as a fierce competitor on the world stage. By the age of 18, Bakhtiar represented his country at the Asian Championships in Malaysia and with great difficulty took second place. A year later, he repeated this success in India at the Afro-Asian Summer Games. These were not just victories, they were stepping stones that prepared him for the biggest test of his career - the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
In Athens, the stakes were higher than ever. In the semi-finals, Bakhtiar faced Oleg Saitov, a formidable Russian and two-time Olympic champion. Bakhtiar not only won, but also crushed the dreams of an experienced athlete seeking his third Olympic title. He then defeated Lorenzo Aragon, an experienced Cuban champion, in a fight that was as much about power as it was about brains. Winning a gold medal was not only a personal victory, but also a national holiday for Kazakhstan.
This victory was sweetened by the Val Barker Cup, which was awarded to Bakhtiyar as the best boxer of the tournament. This recognition was due not only to his skill and strategy in the ring, but also to his spirit, tenacity and the heart he put into every fight.
Despite his Olympic and international successes, Bakhtiar knew how difficult competitions were. After winning a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships in China and another at the 2007 Championships in the USA, he continued to face the pressure and physical demands of the sport at the highest level. His pursuit of a second Olympic gold in Beijing 2008 brought its fair share of difficulties, including a controversial loss to Great Britain's James DeGale. This defeat, as painful as it was, showed the depth of his passion and dedication to the sport.
Retirement from boxing
At the age of 25, thinking deeply about his experiences in Beijing, Bakhtiar decided to leave boxing. This decision, dictated by the need for personal peace and new activities, resonated with those who understood the sacrifices required by sports at such an elite level.
Boxing never really left Bakhtiar's life. He moved into a job that allowed him to give back to the community and to sports. Managing the Boxing Palace in Taraz, named after him, was the role that allowed him to connect his past achievements with future generations of boxers.
In 2014, seeking further growth, Bakhtiar moved to London to study management. This new chapter was not only about gaining knowledge, but also about forming a new identity outside the boxing ring, taking on challenges with the same vigor he once took them on as an Olympic champion.
Awards and achievements
It is difficult to predict how successful Bakhtiyar Artayev's career could be. He shined brightly in the world of boxing for a short time, winning an Olympic gold medal. Despite this peak achievement, Artayev himself believes that he has reached only 50 percent of his potential.
His career includes the following achievements:
- Gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
- Order "Barys" I degree.
- State youth award "Daryn".
- The title of Honored Master of Sports of his country.
- Honorary citizen of his hometown.
Completion of career
After leaving boxing, Bakhtiyar has been involved in various sports, including acting as a television commentator for boxing matches. He provided expert commentary on fights, including those of Kazakh professional champion Gennady Golovkin, sharing his deep knowledge of the sport with viewers.
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