Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan American Football Team Travel to Russia

American Football Growing in Central Asia

– Chelyabinsk, Russia

Last month, a combined team of the Kazakhstan Titans and Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopards traveled to Chelyabinsk, Russia to play against the Ural Hunters, who were celebrating their 20th anniversary. Although the Central Asian teams have hosted numerous Russian teams for many years this was their first visit to Russia.

Despite the fact that they were outnumbered and outsized, the Titans started the game confidently and finished the first half leading 19 to 8 after scoring two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown for 65 yards, while keeping the Hunters solid power run offense at bay.

In the second half the Hunters made the necessary adjustments to their blocking schemes and started consistently running the football into the Titans territory.

With three minutes left in the game the Hunters took the lead 28 to 19. The Titans did not give in and unleashed their passing attack in a final desperate drive scoring on a touchdown pass with seconds left in the game. The final score was 28 – 25 with the host team winning the battle despite the last minute touchdown by Titans.

The Kazakhstan Titans and Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopards have been the only Central Asian teams for more than 10 years. However, this year, two new teams have been established in the region: the Astana Wolves and Almaty ITU Eagles.

This opens a great opportunity to start the first Central Asian American Football League next year.