According to news agency Kazinform, Ten, who won bronze for Kazakhstan at Sochi 2014, was stabbed in the thigh after he tried to prevent two robbers from stealing his car mirrors.

He was rushed to hospital for surgery but was pronounced dead three hours later.

Ten, a two-time World Championship medallist, reportedly lost three litres of blood in the attack, which occurred at around 3pm local time.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said Ten's death was a "tragedy".

"Denis Ten was a great athlete and a great ambassador for his sport," Bach said. 

"A warm personality and a charming man. 

"Such a tragedy to lose him at such a young age."

Minister of Internal Affairs Kalmukhanbet Kassymov and Minister of Healthcare Yelzhan Birtanov have both promised a thorough investigation will be launched.

"Unfortunately, he is not with us anymore," a Government spokesperson told Kazinform.

Ten, Kazakhstan's most famous Winter Olympian, competed at three Olympics and finished 25th at the most recent edition of the event in South Korea in February.

He won the Four Continents Championships title in Seoul in 2015 and also claimed gold at the 2017 Winter Universiade in Almaty.

Ten was the most prominent athlete involved in Almaty's unsuccessful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

He spoke at their presentation at the IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur to promote their bid prior to the vote, won by Beijing.

"The International Skating Union (ISU) is deeply saddened by the news from media in Kazakhstan announcing the passing of figure skater Denis Ten," an ISU statement read.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Denis' family, friends and fans across the world."

Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said: "It is difficult to comprehend and to accept this truly awful news about the death of Denis Ten.

"He was one of Asia’s most talented and popular athletes and to lose him at such a young age is tragic. It is a huge shock and we feel immense grief over his death.

"The OCA would like to send its most sincere condolences to the family of Denis Ten, to the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan and to figure skating fans all over the world. 

"His achievements will never be forgotten and are for ever written in the history of Asian sport.”