UCA Supports Kyrgyz Students at International Economics Olympiad in Greece
The University of Central Asia (UCA) is proud to support the participation of five Kyrgyz students in the 2026 International Economics Olympiad (IEO) International Final Round, held in Ancient Olympia, Greece. The competition brought together 147 students from 63 countries, with participants competing in economics, financial literacy and analytical reasoning.
Five students represented the Kyrgyz Republic at the international final: Sandro Kvatchadze, Amir Ibragimov, Marat Bekbolotov, Alikhan Kozubaev and Ayat Mahmoud Saleim. Sandro Kvatchadze was awarded a Bronze Medal for his performance in the competition.
“It was truly an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience. I am really proud to be the only medalist from my country,” said Sandro. “The competition pushed my critical thinking, and overall the experience pushed me to apply my knowledge in new ways and strengthened my analytical skills.”
From National Olympiad to International Competition
Sandro's achievement builds on his earlier success in the Kyrgyz National Economics Olympiad, where he won the national final in 2024 and subsequently received a Bronze Medal at the International Economics Olympiad.
The national Economics Olympiad in the Kyrgyz Republic is implemented as part of the Economic Literacy Project of the UCA’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), with the support of Economic Fundamentals Initiative (EFI).
The Olympiad has experienced significant growth in Kyrgyzstan. In 2026, 12,158 students from 450 schools participated in the school round, compared with 4,836 students from 300 schools in 2025 - a 126.5% increase in participation in one year.
This growth is helping expand access to economics and financial literacy education and create opportunities for students across the Kyrgyz Republic to develop their analytical skills and compete at the international level.
During the awards ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Munara Omuralieva, Coordinator of the Economics Olympiad and Economic Literacy Project at UCA IPPA, was recognised for her contribution to the growth of the Olympiad and its role in expanding access to economics education among young people in Kyrgyzstan.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The International Economics Olympiad provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and financial literacy skills.
Participation also gives students the chance to connect with peers from around the world and gain experience in an international academic environment.
The achievements of the Kyrgyz delegation demonstrate the growing interest and potential of young people in economics and financial literacy. They also highlight the importance of creating opportunities for students from across the country to develop their skills and participate in international academic competitions.
