Published
06/16/2026, 17:04The International Motorboat Racing Union is to allocate $5 million towards hosting the ‘Formula 1’ water racing event on Lake Issyk-Kul. The event is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors.
The allocation of funds was announced by Eduard Kubatov, Director of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Kyrgyzstan. According to him, the international races will be broadcast in 120–150 countries worldwide, which will help draw attention to Kyrgyzstan and the tourism potential of Issyk-Kul.
Preparations for the competition are already underway in the village of Bayet. Here, more than two kilometres of roads are being built, lighting is being installed, and a 1,500-square-metre car park is being constructed. A park is also being created in the lakeside area and the town beach is being completely renovated.
The authorities and organisers view the project not only as a sporting event, but also as an opportunity to modernise the infrastructure and enhance the tourist appeal of the Issyk-Kul region.
