The World University Futsal Championships began with group matches ©FISU

Hosts Kazakhstan celebrated victory on the opening day of the World University Futsal Championships in Almaty.

The home team got their campaign underway in the men’s tournament shortly after the Opening Ceremony at the Almaty Arena.

It proved a successful start as they edged the Czech Republic 4-3 to make a winning start to Group B.

Belarus beat New Zealand 8-1 in the late match in Group B at the Halyk Arena.

The venue was the location for the first match of the tournament, with the Group A tie between Russia and Slovakia taking place prior to the Opening Ceremony.

Russia secured a 7-1 victory.

Argentina and France played out a 2-2 draw in the second Group A match of the day.

Hosts Kazakhstan earned victory in their first match ©FISU
Hosts Kazakhstan earned victory in their first match ©FISU

There was a 6-2 win for Thailand over Croatia in Group C, with Ukraine overcoming Germany 7-1 in the later match in the group.

Portugal claimed a 5-2 success against Poland in Group D, with their match followed by China's 4-2 win over Israel. 

Canada were 5-2 winners against Israel in Group A of the women’s competition.

Ukraine beat Poland 7-2 in their match today.

The International University Sports Federation event is due to conclude on August 26.