Astana, 12 October 2025 — The Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) successfully hosted the annual CICA Day Football Tournament, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the initiative to establish the organization. This year’s tournament brought together teams from the diplomatic missions of CICA Member and Observer States, one international organization, and, for the first time, guests from the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan and Arab countries team — making the event the most diverse and vibrant edition yet.
At the opening ceremony, CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay called the tournament “a true festival of sports and friendship”, noting that it has become one of the most anticipated traditions among the Astana diplomatic corps. He emphasized the unifying power of sport, which bring people together beyond politics and protocol. Ambassador Sarybay underlined that the inclusion of new teams from the Presidential Administration and the Arab countries “has taken the tournament to a new level, expanding its geography and deepening its meaning as a symbol of inclusivity within the CICA family.”
The team of the Presidential Administration emerged as the new champion, followed by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in second place and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan in third. Each match was marked by fair play, lively competition, and genuine enthusiasm from the sidelines.
Reflecting on the emotions of the matches, the Secretary General remarked that, “True diplomacy is about shaking hands even after tough competition — that’s the essence of the CICA spirit of mutual respect. Today, everyone is a winner, united by sport and friendship.”
The tournament unfolded in an atmosphere of excitement, mutual encouragement and good sportsmanship. Players and supporters alike praised the event’s energy and organization, with participants calling it “a day of pure teamwork and positive spirit — the best kind of diplomacy.”
To commemorate the occasion, the CICA Secretariat presented all teams with specially designed souvenir footballs — a gesture symbolizing unity, goodwill and the shared memories created on the field.
Over the years, the CICA Day Football Tournament has become much more than a sporting event. It is a celebration of dialogue through sport, reinforcing the sense of community and mutual understanding among CICA Member States. The Secretariat remains committed to nurturing this tradition and organizing similar initiatives that promote unity, healthy lifestyles and enduring friendship across Asia.
