Kazakh Student Yerbol Khamitov Wins Gold at 2026 Winter Paralympics

Yerbol Khamitov, a student-athlete from Kazakhstan, has claimed a gold medal and the title of champion at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. He delivered the top performance in the para-biathlon event, winning the 4.5 km pursuit race in the sitting category with a final time of 9 minutes and 39.0 seconds.

This victory marks Khamitov's second medal at these Games. Earlier in the competition, he secured a bronze medal in the classic sprint over a distance of 1500 meters in para cross-country skiing.

The champion is currently a fourth-year student at Kozybayev University, where he is pursuing a degree in Physical Education and Sports.

Khamitov's success at the Paralympics builds upon an impressive record of international achievements. In 2023, he became the world champion in cross-country skiing sprint for seated athletes. His winning streak continued into 2025 when he was crowned world champion in the individual 12.5 km race and clinched victory in the overall World Cup standings for para-biathlon.