On December 9, Kyrgyzstan officially received the exclusive rights to the World Nomad Games trademark in a formal handover ceremony attended by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev.
Over the years, the Games have evolved into a major international festival showcasing Central Asia’s rich cultural traditions through events featuring birds of prey, equestrian sports, traditional wrestling, archery, and displays of physical skill and endurance.
The rights were transferred by Askhat Akibayev, the founder of the World Nomad Games and former Plenipotentiary Representative of the Kyrgyz Government in the Issyk-Kul region.
Kasymaliev praised Akibayev’s foundational role in developing the Games into a globally recognized cultural and sporting event. “Over the past decade, the World Nomad Games have become one of the largest global platforms for promoting ethnic culture, the values of nomadic civilization, and traditional sports,” he said. “Today, this project is a true national brand for Kyrgyzstan, the flagship of our state’s cultural diplomacy, and an important symbol of our international authority.”
Launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, the World Nomad Games aim to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations. The inaugural Games were held in September 2014 in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Kyrgyzstan also hosted the second and third editions in 2016 and 2018. The 2022 Games were held in Turkey, and the 2024 edition took place in Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan will host the sixth World Nomad Games from August 31 to September 6, 2026.
