Photo: gov.kz

ASTANA - From September 8th to 13th, 2024, Kazakhstan will host the fifth World Nomad Games, a unique international sporting event showcasing traditional sports derived from the customs of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. The event will promote the development of traditional sports and ethno-cultural movements, celebrating them as an integral part of human civilization. Approximately 2,500 participants from around 100 countries are expected to attend, and the event is projected to attract over 100,000 domestic and international tourists.

The Games, organized by the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports, UNESCO, the Organization of Turkic States, and other organizations, will take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, under the motto "Ұлыдала дүбірі" (roughly translated as "A World of Greatness"). The main venues will host competitions in 21 sports, including horse racing, national wrestling, traditional intellectual games, martial arts competitions, traditional archery, national bird hunting, and folk games. A total of 97 medal sets will be awarded.

Earlier this year, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasized the importance of the Games: ""The World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan will be a significant event. They are important for promoting national sports and a healthy lifestyle, as well as for strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between fraternal nations – the heirs of the nomadic civilization of the Great Steppe."

The World Nomad Games were established to celebrate the traditional sports and cultural heritage of nomadic peoples around the world. The first Games were held in 2014 in Cholpon-Ata, in the Kyrgyz Republic, and have since grown into a major event held every two years. In 2016 and 2018, the Games were also held in the Kyrgyz Republic, and in 2022, they took place in Turkey. The number of participants and the significance of the Games continue to grow, highlighting the global appeal of nomadic cultures.

Kazakhstan is well-positioned 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 fifth 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 crucial cultural event for Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region, serving as a platform for celebrating and preserving the traditional customs, sports, and way of life of nomadic peoples.

For those outside of Central Asia, the World Nomad Games offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse culture of nomadic peoples. In addition to witnessing unique sports that are rarely seen outside of their home regions, visitors will be able to participate in master classes, 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 for submitting accreditation requests is September 1, 2024.

For more information, please contact office@wng.kz or call +7 (707) 511-05-34.

(Source: gov.kz/gnews.cz-jav_07)