5th World Nomad Games have started in Astana

Today the 5th World Nomad Games started with a colorful and artistic Grand Opening Ceremony in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The 5th edition of the World Nomad Games kicked off today in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, with an artistic and cultural extravaganza at the Astana Arena Stadium. The opening ceremony, which began at 4 PM local time, celebrated the rich nomadic heritage of Central Asia and beyond, bringing together athletes, performers, and spectators from over 80 countries.

A Celebration of Nomadic Culture

The World Nomad Games, first held in 2014 at the shores of the Issyk-Kol in Kyrgyzstan, are a unique international event that showcases traditional nomadic sports, culture, and arts. The Games were originally initiated by Kyrgyzstan to revive and preserve the ancient traditions of nomadic civilizations. After three times in Kyrgyzstan and 2022 in Turkey, this year’s host, Kazakhstan, has taken the opportunity to highlight its own deep-rooted nomadic history, while also inviting participants from across the globe to celebrate this shared legacy.

The ceremony, held at the impressive 30,000-seat Astana Arena, was a vibrant display of music, dance, and art, blending ancient traditions with modern creativity. Performers donned traditional Kazakh costumes and performed various scenes depicting nomadic life, from horseback riding to wrestling, hunting, and music-making. Spectators were treated to a visual journey through the history and culture of the nomadic peoples, all set against a stunning backdrop of choreographed lights and multimedia effects.

Sports and Competitions

The Games will see thousands of athletes compete in over 40 traditional sports, including Kokpar (or Kok-boru in Kyrgyz is a form of horseback rugby), archery like the famous horseback archery (In Kazakh: Zhamby Atu), wrestling (Qazaq Kuresi), and horse racing. These sports are not only physical competitions but are deeply connected to the nomadic way of life, often originating from survival skills needed on the steppe. And not only muscle strength is needed. Sportsmen will also play the Turkish intelligence and strategy games like Mangala or Oware.

But one of the big highlights is kokpar, a thrilling and high-adrenaline game involving two teams of horsemen competing to place a goat carcass into a goal—a sport that has been passed down through generations in Central Asia. Other events include hunting with eagles, traditional wrestling styles like Audaryspak (horseback wrestling), and mas-wrestling (a test of strength where two opponents pull on a stick to unseat the other).

The World Nomad Games are not limited to Central Asia, though. Countries such as Turkey, Mongolia, Hungary, and even the United States have sent teams to participate, reflecting the global appeal of reviving and promoting indigenous sports.

Cultural and Diplomatic Significance

Kazakhstan’s decision to host the Games this year also signals its broader ambitions to enhance its cultural diplomacy. The World Nomad Games provide an opportunity for Kazakhstan to showcase its modernization while also emphasizing its cultural heritage. This reflects the country’s strategic focus on connecting with its past to build its future.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the opening ceremony, highlighted the importance of cultural unity, not just within Central Asia but globally. He emphasized that the World Nomad Games are a platform for peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations, noting that the traditions of nomadic life are not bound by borders but are a shared heritage of humanity.

A Global Spectacle

This year’s Games have attracted significant attention from international media, with many seeing it as a window into the unique and often overlooked nomadic cultures of the world. In addition to the sporting events, visitors will have the opportunity to explore traditional nomadic crafts, food, and music in specially designed cultural villages set up around the venue.

The 2024 edition of the World Nomad Games is expected to draw thousands of spectators, both in person and online, as it is being broadcast worldwide. The Games will run for a week, concluding on September 13, 2024, with the closing ceremony at the Central Kazanat Racetrack, immediately after the final match of the finalist teams of the Kokpar tournament, celebrating the camaraderie and cultural exchange that have defined this extraordinary event.

As Kazakhstan welcomes the world to Astana, the spirit of the nomads—their resilience, adaptability, and love of nature—lives on, reminding us of the enduring values that connect people across time and space.

More informations:

• You can follow the games and gathering more information on the official website