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.
