The World Nomad Games, a cultural and sporting festival highlighting traditional nomadic sports, are currently taking place in Kyrgyzstan. Athletes representing 104 countries are participating in these games, which feature sports from the Turkic peoples of Central Asia. The events, scheduled to conclude on Sunday, are being held at the venue in Kyrchyn Gorge, situated approximately 314 kilometers to the east of the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
Participants have been seen engaging in various competitions, such as showcasing their skills with golden eagles and interacting with hunting birds. Notable events include the traditional equestrian discipline of ‘tyiyn enmei’ (pick up the coin), where riders gallop at high speeds to collect coins or pouches from the ground while remaining mounted. Additionally, horse riders from teams representing Uzbekistan and Russia have been competing in the traditional Central Asian sports of ‘kok-boru’ (gray wolf) or ‘buzkashi’ (goat grabbing), where mounted players earn points by throwing the carcass of a headless goat into a designated area.
The games also offer spectators the opportunity to enjoy various food offerings and witness demonstrations of craftsmanship skills. Kyrgyz women, for example, have been showcasing their expertise in spooling wool, highlighting the rich cultural heritage present at the World Nomad Games.