Issyk-Kul, Sept. 3, 2026 /Kabar/. Kyrgyzstan's kokpar team captain, Manas Niyazov, spoke about the team's preparations for the 6th World Nomad Games, the athletes' goals, and the instructions of the head of state. He spoke to the Kabar news agency.
According to him, the athletes have been tasked with holding the competition with dignity and respectfully welcoming the foreign guests.
"The head of state told us: 'Conduct the game fairly and cleanly. Welcome the guests with respect and send them off with good impressions,'" the team captain said.
He also explained why the strongest Kyrgyz ulakchi were divided between the kok-boru and kokpar teams. He said this was done to ensure they could compete for victory in both events.
"We deliberately split into two teams to put in maximum effort and try to win both games. We want to take first place in both kok-boru and kokpar," he noted.
The team captain expects the competition to be held at a high level, especially against Team Kazakhstan.
"Kazakhstan arrived very well prepared. They play well and brought about 30 strong horses, which they bought in Kyrgyzstan. I think the final will be an interesting and exciting game," he said.
He noted that the Kyrgyz team has also undergone changes in its equestrian roster, with many horses being replaced and new ones arriving, most of which are owned by Kyrgyz clubs.
The captain also noted the improvement in the level of the other national teams.
"The Kazakh athletes arrived well prepared, at a high level. Tajikistan also played well yesterday; they've improved noticeably. Uzbekistan also arrived well prepared," he added.
Speaking about the secret to his success in ulakchi, the athlete attributed it to hard work and family support.
"Probably all thanks to hard work. Also, I have four older brothers; they raised and supported me, so perhaps that also played a role," the captain shared.
