Astana to Host 5th World Nomad Games Featuring Ethnic Sports in September
From September 8 to 13, Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, will host the 5th World Nomad Games, an international sports event celebrating ethnic sports and nomadic culture. The official website of Astana's city administration reports that over two thousand participants from 89 countries are expected to compete in this prestigious event.
The World Nomad Games will feature three main areas: sports, culture, and science, highlighting the rich heritage of nomadic peoples from around the globe.
The event will take place across six major venues in Astana:
- Astana Arena Stadium
- Kazanat Hippodrome
- Martial Arts Palace Zh. Ushkempirov
- Ice Palace “Alau”
- Athletics Sports Complex “Qazaqstan”
- Duman Complex
At the Kazanat Hippodrome and the Ethnoaul area, spectators can enjoy traditional sports such as horse racing, archery, and national bird hunting, along with various horse competitions. The Martial Arts Palace Zh. Ushkempirov and Ice Palace “Alau” will host competitions in wrestling, martial arts, and traditional folk games. Meanwhile, the Duman Complex will feature traditional intellectual games. The VIC Accreditation and Equipment Centers will be located at the Qazaqstan Athletics Sports Complex.
Scientific and Cultural Programs
The scientific program of the Games will take place at the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where participants can engage in discussions and exhibitions on the history and culture of nomadic peoples.
The cultural program will be primarily held at the Ethnoaul “Universe of Nomads”, a cultural village spanning 10 hectares near the Kazanat Hippodrome. Additional cultural events will be held throughout Astana in various public spaces, including parks, theaters, concert halls, museums, and exhibition pavilions.
Sports Competitions
The World Nomad Games will feature competitions in 21 sports, showcasing the unique athletic traditions of nomadic cultures. These include:
- Asyk atu
- Ordo
- Arkan tartys (Tug of War)
- Bayge (Horse Racing)
- Kokpar (Traditional Horseback Sport)
- Audaryspak (Horse Wrestling)
- Tenge ilu (Coin Picking on Horseback)
- Kazakh Kuresi (Kazakh Wrestling)
- Ashyrtmaly aba gureshi
- Koresh (Tatar Belt Wrestling)
- Kokboruu
- Alysh
- Mas-wrestling
- Powerful Nomad (Strongman Competition)
- Togyz Kumalak (Toguz Korgool)
- Grill
- Owari
- Zhamby atu (Mounted Archery)
- Traditional Archery
- Kusbegilik (Bird Hunting)
- Kurash (Uzbek Wrestling)
Approximately 100 sets of medals will be awarded to the top competitors across these diverse sports, highlighting the competitive spirit and athletic prowess of participants from around the world.
The World Nomad Games in Astana promises to be an exciting and culturally enriching event, bringing together athletes, artists, and scholars to celebrate the enduring legacy of nomadic cultures.
