The VI World Nomad Games are just days away. This year, Kyrgyzstan is preparing to host thousands of athletes, guests from all over the world, and official delegations from dozens of countries. Alongside the Games, Bishkek will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which will see the leaders of 21 countries visit the country simultaneously for the first time. Final preparations are currently in full swing at all Games venues.
The official opening of the Games will take place in Bishkek, and the main sporting competitions and cultural events will be held in the Issyk-Kul region.
Around 3,000 athletes will arrive in Kyrgyzstan to compete in 43 sports.
Ulukbek Omurbekov, Director of the Directorate for National Sports, reported that preparations for the Games are progressing across the board.
"All necessary work is underway, from athlete training and the work of the judging panel to logistics, food, and accommodation for foreign participants. The production of uniforms for our national teams is also nearing completion. Parade uniforms are being made by Bayra, and track uniforms by Joma. Furthermore, construction and infrastructure work are going on schedule," he said.
He added that the number of countries participating in the Games also remains high.
"More than 100 countries have been accredited to date. Around 3,000 athletes are expected to participate. The Games themselves will feature 43 sports. The selection process for our national teams is 99% complete. Only the final selection for zhorgo salysh (pacer racing) remains. The final stage of the selection process will be completed in the coming days," Omurbekov noted.
"The Cholpon-Ata hippodrome will host racing games (alaman baiga, kunan chabysh, zhorgo salysh), and short-distance flat racing. A separate stadium with 10,000 seats is being built for kok-boru. Competitions in kok-boru, kok-paru (horseback games), tyiyn enmei (coin game), and er enish (wrestling at horseback) will be held there. In addition, demonstration performances such as trick riding will take place.
The Kyrchyn jailoo will host all types of salbuurun (eagle hunting) games: archery while standing and on horseback, falconry, and golden eagle and taigan hunting. The Games to present national sports from foreign countries as well. Tournaments will be held in Japanese sumo, traditional Korean wrestling, and other games. We have a new competition, "alp taimash"(giant’s wrestling) It involves seven exercises reminiscent of the heroic strength of Kozhomkul-baatyr (Kyrgyz national hero). Athletes will compete in lifting weights such as stones, a horse, or a camel. This game tests human strength and endurance."
"Kyrchyn jailoo to have about 15 exhibition games, showcasing the art of falconry from Arab countries, Chinese wrestling, Brazilian grappling, and other international sports," the directorate head said.
As Omurbekov noted, competitions in virtually all types of wrestling will be held at the Gazprom health complex, while intellectual games such as toguz korgool, owari, and mangala will be organized at the Eurasia resort. The competitions will mostly conclude on September 6.
Venues for the Games' cultural program
The 6th World Nomad Games will not be limited to athletic competitions. According to Altynbek Maksutov, the project's chief cultural program director, hundreds of events will be organized as part of the Games.
According to him, the SCO summit and the opening of the 6th World Nomad Games will initially be held at the Bishkek Arena in the capital as part of a single, major cultural program. In total, more than 800 cultural events are planned in the Issyk-Kul region.
"The events will be held at several locations, each with its own distinct focus." The second major venue is the Kurmanzhan Datka Center for Nomadic Civilization. It will showcase sculptors' works, paintings, and stone sculptures, as well as scientific events. A total of 78 events will be held from September 1st to 7th.
Furthermore, the Rukh-Ordo Cultural and Ethnographic Complex in Cholpon-Ata will host an international festival called "Nomads folk songs," which will feature nine separate venues. These festivals will feature international storytelling, folk instrument performance, traditional music, and other creative fields. Artists from various countries will showcase their skills.
Furthermore, from September 1st to 4th, the Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome will host a large-scale cultural program called "Nomads calling".
The Dordoi-Nomad complex will host the international Nomad Fest. Competitions will be held in four main areas: a global crafts competition, an ethnic fashion festival, a dance competition, and the international project "Nomads stars." Seven separate zones are being prepared within the complex" he said.
According to Maksutov, the "Nomads World" ethno-village, currently under construction in the Kyrchyn jailoo, will be one of the most interesting venues at the Games.
"The ethno-village will feature around forty separate zones, including ethno-bazaars, food zones, sports grounds, and recreation areas. Theatrical performances, accompanied by equestrian games, are being prepared for guests," Maksutov concluded.
According to the organizers, the 6th World Nomad Games will not be limited to athletic competitions alone, but will become a major international platform presenting the history, culture, and heritage of Kyrgyz people to the world.
The World Nomad Games were founded in Kyrgyzstan in 2014. Kyrgyzstan hosted the Games in 2016 and 2018. In 2022, the Games were hosted by the Turkish city of Iznik, and in 2024, by the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. This year, Kyrgyzstan once again took up the baton.
