The World Nomad Games, a cultural and athletic event centered on traditional nomadic sports, are currently underway in Kyrgyzstan. Athletes from 104 countries are participating in the games, highlighting sports of the Turkic peoples of Central Asia. The events, concluding on Sunday, are taking place at the Kyrchyn Gorge, located approximately 314 kilometers east of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Participants are engaging in various competitions, including showcasing their skills with hunting birds like golden eagles and falcons. One such competition involves riders from Kazakhstan competing in the traditional equestrian discipline known as “tyiyn enmei” where they must gallop at speed, picking up coins or a pouch from the ground while remaining mounted on their horses.
Additionally, horse riders from Uzbekistan and Russia are competing in the traditional Central Asian sports of “kok-boru” (gray wolf) or “buzkashi” (goat grabbing), where mounted players score points by throwing the carcass of a headless goat into a designated area. Archery competitions and various craftsmanship displays are also part of the festivities, allowing spectators to enjoy not only the sports but also the food and artisan skills on show.