BI Group Completes Construction of Olympic Rowing Canal in Turkistan
A grand opening ceremony was held in Turkistan for the new international-level rowing canal built by BI Group. The facility meets Olympic standards and is set to become a hub of sports, recreation, and tourism for the city.
The rowing canal is located in Turkistan’s administrative and business center, covering a total area of about 100 hectares, including nearly 48 hectares of water. The main canal stretches 2,222 meters in length and up to 4 meters in depth, enabling competitions of the highest level. The complex features grandstands, boathouses, judges’ towers, a landscaped embankment, and recreational zones. Special attention was given to engineering systems such as water filtration and aeration, which ensure water purity and create a favorable microclimate.
BI Group served as the project’s general contractor. From an engineering perspective, it was one of the company’s most challenging projects, involving hydraulic works, installation of a geomembrane at the bottom, slope concreting, multimedia system integration, and construction of metal-frame boathouses. The project team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, ensuring precise compliance with deadlines and standards, the use of advanced technologies and materials, and the creation of modern infrastructure for both residents and athletes.
A key element of the facility is the Albano lane marking system, certified by international federations FISA and ICF. Widely used in both rowing and canoe/kayak events, the system allows distances to be quickly adapted for different disciplines within a few hours. It combines lane marking and starting equipment, is designed to withstand wind, and functions reliably with minimal dependence on water-level changes. Its construction minimizes the need for divers and uses corrosion-resistant materials that ensure accuracy even in challenging weather conditions.
The rowing canal opens new opportunities for Turkistan. In September 2024, it hosted the Kazakhstan Open Cup in paracanoe with athletes from five regions of the country and Uzbekistan. This tournament became the first international event at the new venue, confirming its readiness to stage competitions of the highest standard. Cecilia Farias, Vice President of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), praised the significance of the event, emphasizing that hosting a paracanoe competition highlights Kazakhstan’s commitment to supporting people with special needs. According to Denis Zharmenov, Chairman of the Rowing and Sailing Association of Turkistan Region and the city of Shymkent, the completed facility will serve as a world-class training base for athletes, enable the hosting of international tournaments, and stimulate the development of both sports and tourism infrastructure.
“This canal is an important project for Turkistan. We built not just a sports arena, but a facility that unites sport, leisure, and ecology. For athletes, it provides access to training at international standards; for residents, it offers clean water, walking areas, and green spaces. Water and greenery create a softer microclimate, making the city more comfortable to live in,” said Project Manager Sayat Serik.
The opening concluded with a large-scale celebration — Turkistan Water Fest & Sky Lights. Residents and guests enjoyed a gastronomic festival, a spectacular fountain show, thrilling flyboard performances, exhibition kayak races, numerous entertainment areas for children and adults, and a concert featuring popular Kazakhstani artists.