World Nomad Games

The World Nomad Games are a biennial international sports festival dedicated to the traditional games of nomadic cultures, especially from Central Asia. Held in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, the event gathers thousands of athletes from dozens of countries for competitions and cultural exchange.

• Features over 30 traditional nomadic sports
• First held in Kyrgyzstan in 2014
• Recognized by UNESCO as a safeguarding practice
• Athletes from more than 70 countries compete
• Includes kok-boru, alysh, and salburun events

What it is

The World Nomad Games bring together athletes and communities from across the globe to celebrate and compete in traditional sports rooted in nomadic heritage. The event is a vibrant showcase of physical skill, cultural pride, and ancient customs, with disciplines ranging from horseback games and wrestling to bone throwing and hunting with eagles. For many participants and spectators, the Games are a chance to reconnect with ancestral ways of life and to share these traditions with the world, fostering understanding and respect among diverse peoples.

Where it comes from

The Games were envisioned by philanthropist Askhat Akibaev, who wanted to highlight the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan while also including the wider traditions of nomadic peoples. Supported at the highest level by Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Atambayev, the first edition took place in 2014. Since then, the Games have grown into a major international event, recognized by UNESCO for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The festival was created to preserve and popularize nomadic traditions and has become a platform for cultural exchange and the strengthening of ties between nations.

How it is celebrated

At the heart of the World Nomad Games are competitions in sports such as kok-boru (a horseback game similar to buzkashi), alysh (belt wrestling), horse racing, and salburun, which combines falconry, mounted archery, and hunting with Taigan dogs. Other events include shagai (sheep bone throwing), er enish (horseback wrestling), and traditional board games like toguz korgool and mangala. Alongside the sporting contests, the Games feature cultural performances, music, and displays of traditional dress, offering visitors a rich immersion in nomadic life. The atmosphere is festive and communal, with athletes and spectators gathering in yurts, sharing food, and exchanging stories.

Joining in

Visitors to the World Nomad Games can expect a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with main celebrations held in host cities such as Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan, Iznik in Turkey, and Astana in Kazakhstan. The event is open to all, and newcomers are encouraged to explore the sports arenas, cultural exhibitions, and traditional nomadic encampments. Expect to see colorful ceremonies, sample local foods, and witness the unique skills of athletes and artisans from across the nomadic world.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article World Nomad Games, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• World Nomad Games on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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