photo: gov.kz
ASTANA - From 8-13 September 2024, Kazakhstan will host the fifth World Nomad Games, a unique international sporting event showcasing ethnic sports based on the traditions of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. The event will promote the development of ethnic sports and ethno-cultural movements and celebrate them as an essential part of human civilization. Approximately 2,500 people from around 100 countries are expected to participate in the Games and the event is expected to attract more than 100,000 domestic and international tourists.
The Games, organised by the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports, UNESCO, the Organisation of Turkic States and other organisations, will be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, under the motto "Ұлыдала дүбірі". Competitions in 21 sports, including horse racing, national wrestling, traditional intellectual games, martial arts competitions, traditional archery, national bird hunting and folk games, will be held at the main sports venues. A total of 97 sets of medals will be awarded.
Earlier this year, Kazakh President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the importance of the Games: "The World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan will be a major event. They are important both for the promotion of national sport and healthy lifestyle, and for the expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties between the brotherly peoples - the heirs of the nomadic civilization of the Great Steppe."
The World Nomad Games were founded to celebrate the traditional sports and cultural heritage of nomadic peoples around the world. The first Games were held in 2014 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic and have since grown into a major biennial event. The Kyrgyz Republic also hosted the Games in 2016 and 2018, and Turkey in 2022. Each time, the number of participants and the importance of the Games grows, highlighting the global appeal of nomadic cultures.
Kazakhstan is well placed to host the Games given the country's historical ties to nomadic traditions and its experience in hosting other major events such as EXPO-2017. By hosting the 5th World Nomad Games, Kazakhstan aims to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of nomadic peoples, promote its cultural identity and strengthen international ties. The Games are a major cultural event for Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region, serving as a platform to celebrate and preserve the traditional customs, sports and lifestyles of nomadic peoples.
For those outside Central Asia, the World Nomad Games offer an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse culture of nomadic peoples. As well as witnessing unique sports rarely seen outside their home regions, visitors will be able to take part in masterclasses, try traditional crafts and sample authentic nomadic cuisine.
Tickets for the event can be purchased here. Media accreditation can be obtained by filling out the form here. The deadline to apply for accreditation is 1 September 2024.
For more information, please visit office@wng.kz or call +7 (707) 511-05-34.
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