Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel.
Traditional Sports, Culture, and Identity Take Center Stage at the Fifth World Nomad Games in Astana
The fifth World Nomad Games have kicked off in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, showcasing the rich heritage of Central Asia. Dubbed the "Great Gathering on the Steppe," this extraordinary event, often referred to as the “Olympics of the nomadic world,” celebrates traditional sports, culture, and the vibrant identity of nomadic peoples from across inner Asia.
Part Highland Games, part Mongolian Naadam festival, the World Nomad Games feature a unique blend of sports such as horseback wrestling, Central Asian strongman competitions, and archery. These competitions offer a glimpse into the skills once essential for survival on the steppe, highlighting the unrivaled equestrian abilities that contributed to the rise of steppe empires like those of the Huns and Mongols. Events include not only sports but also traditional Kazakh food, dress, and even epic storytelling, with the ultimate goal of preserving nomadic culture amid the challenges posed by globalization, modernization, and climate change.
Held every two years, the Games shift locations as often as the nomads they honor. The next event in 2026 is expected to return to Kyrgyzstan, where the inaugural Games began in 2014. This year’s competition concludes on Friday, September 13.
Spectacular Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony, held on September 8, was a grand affair, featuring 3,000 athletes from 89 countries. Musicians, dancers, and singers performed before Central Asia’s political elite, tracing the region's history from ancient Scythian warriors to Silk Road merchants and the rise of the Golden Horde and the Kazakh khanate. The ceremony paid homage to the gatherings of nomadic confederations, as performers symbolically gathered under embroidered panels of a yurt.
Central Asia's Wildest Sport
One of the most anticipated events is kokpar (also known as kok buru, ulak tartysh, or buzkashi), often described as rugby on horseback using a dead goat as the ball. In this fierce sport, two teams of seven horsemen vie for control of the headless carcass, attempting to carry it across the opponent's line and place it in a designated area. Rough play is common, with broken fingers and other injuries being routine. The Kazakh team, led by captain Kermenbek Turganbek, claimed victory over arch rivals Kyrgyzstan in the final, thrilling thousands of spectators.
Endangered Traditional Sport: Hunting with Eagles
Hunting with eagles, or berkutchi, is another highlight of the Games, though it remains an endangered sport. Training a wild golden eagle (berkut) takes years of dedication, making it a rare and costly pursuit. At the Games, participants compete in categories that involve hunting with eagles, hawks, or falcons, with deep roots in the nomadic cultures of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and western Mongolia.
Horseback Wrestling
Audaryspak, or horseback wrestling, sees competitors trying to unseat their opponents in a 15 meter diameter arena. Divided into six weight categories, wrestlers aim to pull their rivals off their horses or push them out of the circle, while horses are penalized for biting.
Archery and the Warrior Past
Archery, both on the ground and horseback, is perhaps the sport most evocative of Central Asia’s warrior heritage. For centuries, waves of mounted archers overwhelmed cities across the Middle East and Eastern Europe, wielding composite bows and iron stirrups to devastating effect. Mongolian archer Tsetsegsuren Dorjsuren, reflecting on this legacy, said, "Genghis Khan's blood is in my blood. I feel my ancestors when I pick up my bow."
Wrestling Events for Men and Women
Mas wrestling, or stick tug of war, is another event with deep roots in Yakutiya (modern Sakha Republic in Russia). In this competition, athletes sit facing each other, gripping a wooden stick, and try to pull it away from their opponent. Separate men's and women's competitions add to the diversity of the Games.
A Broader Celebration of Nomadic Culture
Beyond the sporting events, the World Nomad Games are a celebration of nomadic life, with the Ethno aul (village) at the heart of the festivities. The complex features yurts, craft shops, and local restaurants where visitors can experience reenactments of medieval life, ancient music, and traditional dress. At the same time, performers like the akim (bards) enthrall audiences with epic poetry and history set to the melodies of traditional instruments like the dombra, a Kazakh style lute.
Preserving Art and Craft
The Games also aim to preserve the artistic traditions of the region, with master craftspeople offering demonstrations and workshops in skills such as yurt making, weaving, and carpet crafting. Among them is Bulbul Kapkyzy, a master weaver and yurt maker who has spent more than 45 years perfecting her craft.
A Modern Host for an Ancient Tradition
Astana, with its cutting edge architecture and futuristic skyline, may seem an unlikely host for the World Nomad Games. However, the city’s rapid development and modern infrastructure contrast with the ancient traditions celebrated by the Games. As Kazakhstan’s capital continues to evolve, the Games serve as a reminder of the deep nomadic roots that still influence life across Central Asia.
As the fifth World Nomad Games conclude, participants and spectators alike leave with a sense of pride in the enduring traditions of the steppe. The next event, in 2026, will continue this vital celebration of Central Asia’s nomadic heritage.
