On a crisp September day in Guiyang, China, the world’s finest sport climbers gathered for the latest stage of the World Cup—a stage that would prove both exhilarating and bittersweet for Kazakhstan’s Amir Maymuratov. The city’s climbing arena, buzzing with anticipation, set the perfect stage for a contest that would see new faces rise and seasoned athletes push their limits.
For Kazakhstan, all eyes were on Maymuratov, who arrived at the event with quiet confidence and a determination to showcase his skills against the world’s elite. The competition was fierce, with climbers from across the globe vying for a coveted spot among the top finishers. The stakes were high, the pressure palpable, and the crowd eager for drama.
Maymuratov didn’t disappoint in the early rounds. In the qualification stage, he delivered a performance that was both technically sound and strategically sharp, navigating the complex routes with agility and composure. His efforts earned him ninth place in the qualifiers—a result that not only marked a personal achievement but also secured his passage to the round of 16. For a moment, the Kazakh camp brimmed with hope. Could this be the breakthrough for their star climber?
As the competition moved into the knockout phase, the tension ramped up. Maymuratov faced off against China’s own Shouxun Chu in a head-to-head duel that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Both climbers attacked the wall with ferocity, but in the end, Chu edged out the Kazakh, sending Maymuratov out of the running for the top spots. Despite the loss, Maymuratov’s journey didn’t end in disappointment—his overall performance was enough to secure a tenth-place finish at one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
"Amir Maymuratov finished in the top ten at the World Cup stage in Guiyang, China on September 16, 2025," reported Kazpravda.kz, highlighting the significance of his achievement. It’s no small feat to crack the top ten at this level, especially given the depth of talent on display. For Kazakhstan’s climbing community, Maymuratov’s result is a testament to the country’s growing presence on the international stage.
But the glory on this day belonged to Shouxun Chu. The Chinese climber, riding the momentum from his victory over Maymuratov, powered through the subsequent rounds and ultimately claimed the title. In a gripping final, Chu outclimbed Japan’s Re Omasa, thrilling the home crowd and cementing his place at the summit of the podium. Germany’s Leander Karmans rounded out the top three, showcasing the international flavor and competitive parity that defines the World Cup circuit.
For the rest of the Kazakh team, the event proved more challenging. Damir Toktarov, Zhandos Kalibay, Beknur Altynbekov, and Alisher Murat all participated in the qualification rounds, but none managed to advance to the knockout stages. It was a tough break for the promising squad, but their presence at such a high-profile event signals Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing talent and gaining experience on the world stage.
The World Cup in Guiyang is more than just a single competition—it’s a reflection of a sport in rapid ascent, both in popularity and in the caliber of its athletes. Climbing has surged in prominence in recent years, especially after its inclusion in the Olympic Games. The technical demands, the psychological battles, and the sheer spectacle of athletes racing up dizzying walls have captivated fans worldwide. In this context, Maymuratov’s top-ten finish takes on added significance. He’s part of a new generation of climbers who are redefining the boundaries of possibility, inspiring young athletes back home, and putting Kazakhstan on the map.
“He qualified for the round of 16, where he lost to Chinese climber Shouxun Chu in a one-on-one competition,” noted local sports outlets, underscoring the head-to-head nature of the knockout rounds. Such formats often favor the bold, and while Maymuratov’s campaign ended earlier than he’d hoped, his poise under pressure and technical prowess were evident throughout.
Shouxun Chu’s victory, meanwhile, was a masterclass in consistency and composure. Each round saw him dispatch formidable opponents, culminating in his triumph over Re Omasa. The final was a showcase of climbing’s unique blend of athleticism and strategy, with Chu’s victory sending the home crowd into raptures. “Victory was claimed by Chu, who won in the final against Re Omasa (Japan),” reported the event organizers, confirming the Chinese climber’s ascent to the top.
Germany’s Leander Karmans, who finished third, added a European flavor to the podium, reinforcing the truly global nature of the competition. For fans and athletes alike, the diversity of the top finishers is a reminder that sport climbing is anyone’s game—a discipline where preparation, nerve, and a touch of inspiration can make all the difference.
Looking ahead, the Kazakh team will no doubt reflect on the lessons from Guiyang. For Maymuratov, the experience is another stepping stone in a promising career. The top-ten finish is a milestone, but also a motivator—a signal that with a bit more polish, the podium is within reach. For his teammates, the event was a valuable opportunity to test themselves against the best and to bring that experience back to Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing climbing community.
The World Cup stage in Guiyang has once again delivered drama, athletic excellence, and a glimpse into the future of sport climbing. As the dust settles, the athletes will regroup, the fans will savor the highlights, and the countdown to the next competition will begin. For now, Amir Maymuratov and the Kazakh team can hold their heads high, knowing they’ve taken another step forward on the world stage.
With the World Cup circuit rolling on, the spotlight will soon shift to the next host city. But for a day in Guiyang, the story belonged to a Kazakh climber who proved he can hang with the best—and to a Chinese champion who seized his moment on home soil. The journey continues, and the world of sport climbing is all the richer for it.
