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.
Kokpar; image: Nick Willert
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.
Image: Nick Willert
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.
Image: Nick Willert
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.
Image: Nick Willert
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.
Image: Nick Willert
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!
