ASTANA, Kazakhstan - The highly anticipated 5th World Nomad Games officially opened in Astana, Kazakhstan with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Astana Arena. The event, attended by more than 2,500 athletes and thousands of guests from 89 countries, is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations and the unique sports and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Zomart Kemeluly Tokayev In his opening speech, he highlighted the historical importance of nomadic cultures and their lasting legacy in shaping the world. "The country of Kazakhstan is home to important historical figures such as Al-Farabi and Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who have made significant contributions to the development of science and humanistic ideas. Our ancestors founded powerful states and built beautiful medieval cities in the Great Steppe, including Otyrar, Turkestan, Taraz and Sarajevo," He remarked.
The Kazakh leader stressed the unifying power of the Nomad Games, which serve not only to celebrate traditional sports but also to promote global unity and mutual respect.
"This is the largest sporting competition of its kind in the world. Sport itself is a symbol of respect and solidarity. Its key purpose is to foster friendship between nations. Kazakhstan is known to all as a country of peace and coexistence," President Tokayev said. "I am convinced that the Nomad Games will help strengthen international solidarity."
The World Nomad Games, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has grown into the largest event dedicated to traditional sports, attracting participation from nations across Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Australia. During the competition, which takes place from 9-13 September, athletes will compete in a range of nomadic sports, including horse archery, martial arts, falconry and traditional wrestling, showcasing their countries' unique cultural traditions on a global stage.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent international leaders and officials, including President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Rustam Minnikhanov of the Republic of Tatarstan and Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Aysen Nikolayev. Other prominent participants included former Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar and President of the World Confederation of Ethnosport Bilal Erdoğan, as well as representatives of international organizations such as UNESCO, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Organization of Turkic States and the European Union.
The evening culminated in a breathtaking cultural performance that took the audience through the rich history of Kazakhstan from the Tengri period and the Great Khans to the modern transformation of the nation. The theatrical programme paid tribute to the enduring values of harmony with nature, respect for the land and a shared responsibility to protect the Earth as humanity's common home.
The World Nomad Games, which will include competitions in 21 sports, offer a platform for nations with common nomadic roots - and other nations - to come together to celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen bonds of friendship and peace through sport. The first three editions were held in Kyrgyzstan, the last in Turkey.
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