Nomad Games - The Times Of Central Asia

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Preparations for World Nomad Games in Full Swing

The excitement is palpable as the World Nomad Games draw near, with preparations reaching their peak. In the heart of Kazakhstan, the Ethnoaul village has transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration, with 17 regions proudly showcasing their heritage through the erection of traditional yurts. These structures not only serve as a testament to Kazakhstan's rich nomadic history but also as a welcoming space for visitors to experience the warmth of Kazakh hospitality. [caption id="attachment_22839" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption] The village is buzzing with activity as skilled craftsmen display their intricate handiwork, from ornate textiles to beautifully crafted jewelry, each piece telling a story of cultural legacies. Artists are bringing the village to life with vibrant performances and exhibitions, while chefs are preparing to tantalize the taste buds of attendees with traditional Kazakh cuisine, offering a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of the region. [caption id="attachment_22840" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption] Athletes, musicians, and performers from all corners of the globe have descended upon the village, each bringing their unique flair to the games. Among them, TCA met enthusiastic archers from France and Poland, whose passion for the sport is matched only by their eagerness to engage with fellow competitors and share in the cultural exchange that the games foster. [caption id="attachment_22841" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption] Nature has its own plans, however, with forecasts predicting rain, casting a shadow over the festivities. Yet, the spirit of the participants remains undampened, as they view the challenge as an opportunity to unite under a common cause, demonstrating their resilience and camaraderie. [caption id="attachment_22842" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image: Ilyas Otan[/caption]

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Embracing the Spirit: An Interview with Nick Willert of the U.S. Team at the World Nomad Games

As Kazakhstan gears up to host the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana from September 8-13, a vibrant festive atmosphere is taking over the city with streets adorned with flags and banners celebrating this year's theme, "The Gathering of the Great Steppe." In the build-up to the games, which will host competitors from 89 countries, TCA spoke to Nick Willert, who will be representing the U.S. in kokpar, horseback wrestling, and kok boru. [caption id="attachment_22495" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Kokpar; image: Nick Willert[/caption] TCA: What is your equestrian background, and when did you first hear about, become interested in, and start competing in kokpar and kok buru? Willert: I grew up on a horse ranch in Wyoming, so I have always been comfortable around horses, but equestrian sports were never my main focus. After I served in the United States Marine Corps, I worked as a professional skier and professional MMA fighter, as well as a surf instructor and salvage diver in California. In 2018, I was recruited by friends that I grew up with to compete in kokpar and kok boru in the World Nomad Games. That is where I also discovered horseback wrestling, and became the first American horseback wrestler. [caption id="attachment_22496" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image: Nick Willert[/caption] TCA: Have you traveled much in Central Asia before? Willert: Besides traveling to Central Asia two previous times for horseback wrestling and kokpar par/kok boru, I spent a lot of time in Asia working for a wildlife production company as their animal wrangler and scout locator. That is where I truly developed a deep love and admiration for Asia and Central Asia and the cultures that exist in those regions. [caption id="attachment_22497" align="aligncenter" width="423"] Image: Nick Willert[/caption] TCA: What kind of horses do you use for training? During the competition, what horses will your team use? Willert: Finding horses and having enough time to get to know each horse has always been a big challenge for the American team. However, our Kyrgyzstan colleagues have been a big help in facilitating the procurement of horses for our team. [caption id="attachment_22498" align="aligncenter" width="886"] Image: Nick Willert[/caption] TCA: Does your team try to imitate the Central Asian players, or are there some distinctive ways in which Americans play kokpar? Willert: I think it tends to be an interesting mix of imitation of the techniques that we have seen, as well as combining some western horsemanship skills and bringing those into play as well. [caption id="attachment_22499" align="aligncenter" width="826"] Image: Nick Willert[/caption] TCA: How do you expect your team to fare in the World Nomad Games? Willert: I’m aware that the U.S. team is considered underdogs in this sport, but are ready to play to the best of our ability, without fear, and have a lot of fun doing it!

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The World Nomad Games: Capturing a Sense of the Great Steppe

The 5th World Nomad Games, set to be hosted in Astana from September 8-13, is Central Asia's largest national sports competition and, complemented by unique cultural and scientific programs, attracts participants and spectators from throughout the world. As reported by TCA, there is a distinctive festive fizz in the air as the city prepares to welcome visitors, with streets, shopping centers, public spaces and even buses already festooned with flags and colorful decorations. Ablai Kondybaev, the Deputy Head of the Directorate responsible for preparing and organizing the 5th World Nomad Games, spoke to The Times of Central Asia about how the event allows visitors to experience the spirit of the Great Steppe. TCA: The geographical scope of the Nomad Games is steadily expanding worldwide. How many countries will participate this year and how many tourists and spectators are expected to attend? AK: The Games have a ten-year history. Having originated in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, they have since been held three times in the Kyrgyz city of Cholpon-Ata and on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Over the relatively short period since it began, the event has grown dramatically. The first Games attracted participants from 19 countries mainly from Central Asia where there is a historic nomadic culture, whereas the 4th Nomad Games hosted by Iznik, Turkey, in 2022, saw athletes competing from 81 countries. It's very interesting to track the geography of engagement. In previous Games, for example, countries such as New Zealand and Madagascar participated. Superficially, they have nothing to do with nomadic culture, yet consider themselves descendants of nomads. Such things bring us closer together; in the distant past, all humanity was nomadic. To date, we have received applications for participation from 89 countries to compete in this year's event. The Nomadic Games are a new and interesting phenomenon, offering unique and highly engaging spectacular sports, unfamiliar and exotic to European and Western audiences. As such, the Games are becoming increasingly popular abroad. Today's geographical representation of athletes is expansive, with countries including Venezuela, Ireland, Gambia, and Brunei participating for the first time. For ten years, countries from literally all continents have joined the event and perhaps in the future, we will reach a point where interest in our national sports is on a par with the Olympics or soccer championships. [caption id="attachment_21887" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Falconry in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan; image: Stephen M. Bland[/caption] TCA: Is it significant that the month of September was chosen for the Games? AK: Absolutely. September is when nomads traditionally celebrate the completion of the migration with their caravan of yurts and animals from their summer to winter camp with a toi ; an event comprising feasts, rituals, games and competitions. TCA: Which competitions generate the most excitement amongst spectators: Horse racing, archery, wrestling? AK: Nomadic life is directly related to horses, and year on year we observe how people who know nothing about steppe culture are particularly fascinated by our equestrian sports. Always spectacular and challenging, they take the audience's breath away. But...

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Astana Prepares to Welcome Visitors in Run-Up to the 5th World Nomad Games

There is a distinctive festive fizz about Astana as the city prepares to host the 5th World Nomad Games. In celebration and in readiness to welcome visitors, the streets, shopping centers, public spaces and even buses, are already festooned with flags and colorful decorations in keeping with this year’s theme “The Gathering of the Great Steppe.” Amid banners bearing the Games' mascots and logo of a solar horseman against a background of Carnelian red, symbolizing energy and vitality, traditionally attired locals, some on horseback and others carrying hunting eagles, proudly roam the streets to promote both the event and their country’s cultural heritage. Taking place from 8 -13 September, the much-anticipated Games will include 21 sports with some 3000 participants from over 85 countries competing in six venues spread across the city: the Astana Arena Stadium, Kazanat Hippodrome Racetrack, Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Wrestling Palace, Alau Ice Palace, Qazaqstan Athletic Sports Complex, and Duman Complex. [caption id="attachment_21497" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] photo TCA: Games banner [/caption] Not exclusive to sport, the Games also include Cultural and Science programs. On a ten- hectare site close to the Kazanat race course, an Ethno-Aul has been erected to house an expansive array of exhibitions, performances and activities related to local customs and cuisine, theater and dance, and traditional craft and music. The equally comprehensive science program, hosted by the National Museum, offers a series of events with a focus on the development of ethno-sports. With the passing years, the Games have become ever-more popular and thanks to the success of a long and concentrated marketing and publicity drive, tours organized by many international travel companies sold-out months ago. As a result, over 100,000 foreign tourists, many of whom have never visited Central Asia, are expected to descend on the city in September. As the Nomad Games approaches, TCA has prepared a list of six must-see sites to encourage visitors to better acquaint themselves with the city, enjoy Astana’s unique atmosphere, and gain a deeper understanding of her cultural and historic heritage as they travel from venue to venue. [caption id="attachment_21472" align="alignnone" width="960"] Photo TCA: Bayterek Tower[/caption] Bayterek Tower Situated on Nurjol Boulevard and erected in August 2002, this 105-metre-high observation tower is a symbol of post-independence Kazakhstan. Its distinctive design was inspired by an ancient Turkic myth in which every year, a sacred bird named Samruk laid an egg (the sun) in the branches of a sacred poplar tree. Once inside, visitors can learn more about the concept behind the tower and its cultural significance, and from the top platform, enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the city. [caption id="attachment_21474" align="alignnone" width="978"] Photo TCA: Independence Square[/caption] Independence Square At the heart of the city lies Independence Square, surrounded by iconic buildings and monuments. Especially notable is the Kazak Yeli Memorial, a symbol of Kazakhstan’s destiny. Atop its 91- meter tower stands a golden eagle, and around its base, images related to the country’s past and present, from heroic ‘batyrs’ or clan leaders from the Golden Horde and dombra...

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Preparations for 5th World Nomad Games Being Finalized in Kazakhstan

From September 8 to 14, 2024, Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, will host the World Nomad Games, reflecting the cultural heritage of nomadic peoples. The competition promises to be a grandiose event for all participants and spectators. According to preliminary information, about 3000 athletes from 100 countries will participate in the games. The Games, an international competition in nomadic sports, was first held in 2014 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, and quickly gained international recognition. The games are held every two years and aim to preserve and popularize unique ethnic sports and cultural traditions. Cholpon-Ata has hosted the international competition three times. In 2014, there were 583 athletes from 19 countries and ten sports; in 2016, there were 1,200 athletes from 62 countries with 26 sports; and in 2018, 2,000 athletes from 82 countries participated in 37 sports. The 4th World Nomad Games were held in 2022 in Iznik, Turkey, and were attended by 3,000 athletes from 102 countries with 13 sporting events. The 2024 program promises to be rich and diverse, covering many disciplines such as kokpar (buzkashi), horse racing, national wrestling, archery, hunting with birds, and traditional intellectual games. A total of 21 competitive sports will be contested, and 97 sets of medals will be awarded. This year's Games program includes rarely-seen sports, such as traditional horseback wrestling. One of the key features of the World Nomad Games is its cultural program. As part of the Games, the Nomad Universe Festival will be held, which will present ethnic exhibitions of traditional crafts and national dishes. This will allow the event's guests to become acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of nomadic peoples, feel the spirit of ancient traditions, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. The main sports venues of the Games will include the Astana Arena, Kazanat Hippodrome, Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, Alau Ice Palace, and Duman Complex. These modern facilities will ensure high-quality competitions and comfort for participants and spectators alike. Executive Director of the 5th World Nomad Games, Nail Nurov has said that preparations for the large-scale event have reached the final stages, also emphasizing that the World Nomad Games are not only a sporting event, but also a cultural event. "Now we are creating a large ethno-village of 10 hectares. In addition to the scenes of rich nomadic culture, there will also be a city of artisans. There will be conferences where scientific presentations will be made in the field of traditional sports. This time, there will [also] be a talk on nomadic food culture," he stated.

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The Rules of the Steppe: Countdown to the 2024 World Nomad Games

The countdown to the 2024 World Nomad Games (WNG) in Astana, Kazakhstan, which will take place between September 8-13, has begun. Now in its fifth incarnation, the upcoming WNG will host an estimated 3,000 athletes - including nomadic and non-nomadic participants (such as American cowboys) - from over 100 nations. The event will showcase sports, science, and culture at venues comprising the Alau Ice Palace, the Astana Arena, the Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace (named after the Kazakhstani Greco-Roman Olympian wrestler Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov), the Qazaqstan Athletic Sports Complex, the Duman Complex, and the Kazanat Hippodrome. Beside the hippodrome’s equestrian sports complex, the Ethno-aul, or the “Nomadic Universe,” is where visitors can immerse themselves in the many nomadic yurt traditions through classes, entertainment, and cultural programs. The first official WNG began in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2012. At that time, almost 600 athletes from 19 countries took part in ten sporting categories. Since then - with the second and third WNG also in Cholpon-Ata in 2016 and 2018 - and the fourth in the town of İznik in northwestern Turkey in 2022, the number of games and participants has grown exponentially. In 2016, 1,200 athletes from 62 countries took part in 26 sporting categories. In 2018, the numbers increased to 2,000 athletes from 82 countries in 37 sports. In 2022, 3,000 athletes from 102 countries took part in a limited number of games (13) held over a shorter timeframe due to restrictions enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. September is a significant calendar month for the WNG due to the traditional nomadic migration between seasonal camps in preparation for winter. To the uninitiated, and in particular, newcomer spectators from the West, the WNG is an action-packed alternative to more conventional and established international sports. Earlier this year, UK package tours for the 2024 WNG sold out. There is a Game of Thrones fantasy element to some of the scheduled events. The venerable warrior allure of selected games that include birds of prey, dogs, horses, wrestling, archery, and agility contests, are rooted in the uncompromising landscape from which the games were born. The WNG is fairly new to the international stage, but the games themselves are not. Abiding by the rules set by the Eurasian Steppe, athletic events are often vigorous and compellingly rugged. The vast, grassy plains with their minimal natural resources are where the nomadic inhabitants learned to sustain their way of life in work and play. Thus, the WNG has been extracted, maintained, and perfected by the ancient rituals of age-old battles and challenging recreation. [caption id="attachment_20496" align="alignnone" width="1979"] Kok-Boru, 2018 World Nomad Games Image Source: Helen Owl[/caption] Horses are a vital extension of Central Asian human resourcefulness. Among the sporting category highlights, the popular Kok-Boru (also known as Buzkashi and Ulak Tyrtysh in Kyrgyz) procured from a battle training custom, will take center stage. Mere balls fade in comparison to the headless goat carcass that the equestrian participants must capture and then fling into the...