Valkyrie, the first women’s flag football team in Kazakhstan, is rewriting the rules of what women’s sports can look like. Formed at KIMEP University, the team is more than just a club — it’s a community, a family, and a statement of ambition.
“We’re not only playing,” team president Kuralay Orynbassar said. “We’re setting ourselves big goals. One of them is to compete at the Olympic Games in 2028.”
For Valkyrie members, the journey into flag football was often unexpected, but each story highlights how passion, discipline, and friendship built the foundation of the team.
Finding Their Way to Valkyrie
For Orynbassar, the spark was lit back in high school. After watching her first American football game, she fell in love with the sport.
“When I came to KIMEP,” she said, “the first thing I did was join Valkyrie.”
Laura Kalzhan, a wide receiver, discovered the team almost by accident.
“I first learned about Valkyrie at our Valkyrie Cup tournament in April,” she said. “I signed up as a volunteer through a mailing list. I loved the atmosphere so much that when the captain invited me to a practice, I went — and then joined the team. Six months later, I’ve already played in two tournaments.”
For Amira Dilyobova, it was orientation day at KIMEP that changed everything.
“I wanted to do sports here,” she said. “At Freshman Orientation, I saw our captain, Saltanat (Kaiseken note by KIMEP Voice) at the stand. She inspired me to try. That’s how it all started — I came to practice on Aug. 20, and from then on, I never left. Our coach also motivated me a lot.”
Asem Joldasova joined after hearing about Valkyrie from friends. At first, it wasn’t the sport itself that hooked her.
“When people hear ‘American football,’ they think it’s something violent, like tackle football,” she said. “But flag football is non-contact — we don’t push, we don’t hit. What really drew me in was the community. It felt sincere, with everyone supporting each other. I’d been part of other student organizations, but only here did I feel free and comfortable. Our coach, captain, and president created that atmosphere. I believe Valkyrie has a great future.”
More Than a Game
On the field, Valkyrie players discover lessons that go far beyond sports.
“Being part of this team is, first of all, about learning to work together,” Orynbassar said. “That’s one of the most important skills in life.”
“This is a team sport,” Kalzhan said. “It’s about respect and responsibility. You attend practices, theory sessions, and listen to your teammates and coach. That’s responsibility. And it’s an unforgettable experience.”
Dilyobova added that discipline is what keeps the team strong.
“If it weren’t for discipline, there wouldn’t be a team,” she said. “We respect our leaders, we share opinions, and everyone’s voice is heard. Discipline is what unites us.”
The Mentor Behind the Team
Much of Valkyrie’s growth is thanks to their coach, Taubek Nussipbek, who has been guiding them voluntarily for three years.
“He’s not just our coach,” Orynbassar said. “He’s our mentor — like a brother, even a father. He always puts us on the right path.”
“He’s strict in the right measure, kind in the right measure, and even jokes with us,” Joldasova said. “He knows how to unite the team. Thanks to him, we’ve learned so much.”
“Our coach is very disciplined,” Dilyobova said. “He’s been with us since the very beginning.”
The sacrifices are not lost on the players.
“He lives outside the city and spends about two and a half hours commuting,” Dilyobova said. “He doesn’t get paid — he does everything on a volunteer basis because he believes in us. He’s been coming to every training session for three years straight.”
Kalzhan added that their coach’s family also supports him.
“He even came to our last tournament with his young son,” she said. “We played all day under the sun, and his son was there with him the whole time.”
Orynbassar said his dedication goes beyond the field. “He gives us advice about life, helps with work, and listens when we have real-life problems. We really respect him.”
Practices, Rituals, and Match Day
The team trains twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 10 p.m., with optional Saturday sessions for those who want extra practice.
“Our practices are fun,” Kalzhan said. “We gather, warm up, laugh, and train hard. Sometimes we joke, sometimes we focus seriously — it’s a good balance.”
Dilyobova explained how each practice session is organized, noting the balance between structure and teamwork.
“We start with a warm-up, then run routes, and finish with games. Our practices don’t interfere with studies because they’re in the evening. If someone’s late, we just let the coach or captain know. Everyone understands.”
As game days approach, the team members said the sense of anticipation grows stronger.
“Right before a match, you feel this rush,” Orynbassar said. “It’s amazing, I can’t even describe it.”
Kalzhan said she enjoys the pre-game energy.
“I love the warm-up before tournaments. When you see other teams getting ready, you think — wow, she’s good. I’d love to play against her. It’s not nerves; it’s anticipation.”
The players also have pre-game rituals.
“When we need a strong spirit, we paint our faces,” said Aruzhan Algaziyeva. “At the last tournament, we painted red lines under our eyes to look stronger — like war paint.”
“We also do matching hairstyles,” Dilyobova said. “One of our members, Begaiym, is our personal hairstylist — she always braids our hair and makes ponytails. It’s already a tradition.”
Before matches, the coach gathers the team for a quick talk.
“He always says, ‘Don’t worry, it’s just a regular game,” Dilyobova said. “It helps us calm down and focus.”
Breaking Stereotypes
Women’s flag football still surprises many in Kazakhstan.
“People often ask if it’s rugby,” Joldasova said. “It’s because they don’t know the sport. But I believe women’s sports will grow here. Our girls are ambitious, and each has her own goals.”
That ambition was on display when Valkyrie represented Kazakhstan in Dubai.
“We played against teams from Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE Eagles — with players from all over the world,” Joldasova said. “It was another level. It inspired us to push forward. Competing internationally made us realize how much we can still grow.”
Dilyobova recalled that match fondly. “Asem had joined just a month earlier,” she said. “She worked so hard that the captain picked her for the Dubai team. She even got hit in the head during one match — almost a concussion — but kept playing. That’s dedication.”
Joldasova said the experience changed her perspective.
“Playing against teams from different countries showed us what professional flag football looks like. They were so skilled, and it made us want to reach that level. Every tournament gives us new motivation to improve.”
Support and Challenges
(Photo provided by Valkyrie Qazaqstan)
Family and community play a huge role in Valkyrie’s story. Orynbassar’s family has been deeply involved in organizing the annual Valkyrie Cup, the team’s flagship event.
“I’ve been president for two years,” she said. “Both times, my parents and relatives helped me. They woke up at 5 a.m., loaded everything into the car, and spent the entire day helping out. Even my cousins volunteered. My parents never told me to stop; they’ve always supported me.”
Kalzhan, whose family lives in Aktobe, said her parents were initially confused about the sport.
“When I told them I joined the team, they asked, ‘What kind of sport is that? Just don’t fall!” she said, laughing. “For a few months, I didn’t tell them much, but after my first tournament, I showed them photos, and they said, ‘If you need anything, we’ll support you in any way.’ That meant so much.”
Despite their passion, Valkyrie faces real challenges. Maintaining a stable roster is one of the biggest ones.
“Players come and go every semester,” Algaziyeva said. “Right now, only about five of us are constant members.”
“We lack roster loyalty because some graduate, some go to master’s programs, or start working. We also have international students who eventually leave. We understand — life happens. But 90% of those who leave say they wish they could have stayed.” Kalzhan said.
Finances are another major hurdle.
“When we travel to tournaments, we mostly pay our own expenses,” Orynbassar said. “We don’t have official sponsors yet, except for occasional help from KIMEP.”
Joldasova said the team is proactive in finding support.
“We’re actively looking for sponsorship,” she said. “We’ve written to different business companies and sports centers. It’s not easy, but we’re not giving up.”
“In winter, we need indoor fields, so we reach out to the sports center,” Dilyobova said. “KIMEP supported us last year — they helped us rent a field at Nur Mubarak University. It was amazing. Thanks to that, we didn’t miss a single practice.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the obstacles —from finances to a fluctuating roster— Valkyrie is focused on growth. The short-term goal is to build a stable lineup; the long-term dream remains the Olympic Games.
Their message to future players is clear.
“Don’t be afraid,” Dilyobova said. “The rules aren’t hard, and it’s a non-contact sport. Just try something new.”
“It’s about responsibility. Every position matters. Your presence matters. You can’t just skip a practice — your team depends on you.” Joldasova said.
For Valkyrie, the dream is bigger than wins and losses.
“We’re on the right path,” Joldasova said. “Step by step, we’ll reach new heights.