Traditions, national cuisine and warm atmosphere: QJL All Star and Atlético Madrid players enjoyed a gala dinner in the mountains near Almaty

The organizers aimed not only to strengthen the bond among the young footballers and let them meet their future rivals, but also to introduce them to Kazakhstan’s national culture.

Players, coaches and staff from both the League and the Spanish club met at the ethno-village “Gunny” in the picturesque Novokamennoe Gorge near Almaty, surrounded by mountains and apple orchards. Guests were welcomed with a traditional Shashu ceremony: horsemen, women in national costumes with sweets, and a dombra player greeted them at the gates.

Afterwards, the visitors tasted classic Kazakh snacks – baursaks – accompanied by kumys, a combination that clearly appealed to the Spaniards.



The cultural program continued in a traditional yurt, where the guests learned how nomads built their dwellings and discovered customs, traditions, and beliefs connected with the yurt. For Kazakh players, it was also a chance to refresh childhood memories.



The next highlight was an equestrian performance: skilled riders demonstrated stunts and acrobatics that seemed to defy physics. The finale was a “small pyramid” – a rider standing on the shoulders of galloping horsemen, waving a large Kazakh flag.





Spectators also witnessed traditional archery on horseback and the famous game “Kyz Kuu” (Chasing the Girl).

Later, the footballers themselves tried horseback riding, archery (not from the saddle), and even joined in traditional dances, with some Spaniards also taking part.





Finally, the gala dinner began. On the initiative of League president Rokhus Shokh, the players did not sit in familiar groups but mixed together, so that future opponents shared the same tables.

“We are glad to welcome you to the hospitable Kazakh land. It is a great honor for us that a club as big as Atlético Madrid plays with our young boys. Of course, the match matters and the result is important.

But for me as a president, the main thing is this opportunity to meet and get to know each other. The fact that you are now sitting together and communicating – that is the most important result, even more valuable than the sporting one,” – emphasized Rokhus Rokhusovich.

Shyness quickly gave way to lively conversations, and even the language barrier wasn’t a problem – Kazakh players who spoke English translated for their teammates, making everyone feel included.



The dinner menu combined traditional Kazakh dishes – beshbarmak and kuyrdak – with meals more familiar to Europeans. For those on a strict diet, salads and light appetizers were also served.

In the end, the Atlético delegation received gifts – jerseys identical to those of the Kazakh players, so in the group photo they all looked like one big team.



But despite the spirit of friendship and hospitality, everyone remembers the main thing – on Saturday, both sides will give their all on the pitch.

The QJL All Star vs. Atlético Madrid match will take place on 23 August at the Khan Tengri Stadium in Almaty. Tickets are available on Freedom Ticketon.