Wed Sep 18 03:05:46 UTC 2024: ## Kazakhstan Hosts Record-Breaking World Nomad Games
**Astana, Kazakhstan** – The 10th edition of the World Nomad Games, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, saw a record-breaking 2,000 athletes from 89 countries compete in 21 traditional games. The event, celebrating the culture and unity of the nomadic peoples of Asia’s Turkic nations, showcased the rich history and traditions of the region.
From the thrilling horseback sport of “kokpar,” where riders battle for possession of a headless goat carcass, to the majestic “kusbegilik” featuring hunting with trained eagles, the games offered a glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of nomadic sports.
Traditional wrestling styles like Qazak Quresi and Kurash, as well as the “Powerful Nomad Strongman Competition” with its weight lifting and bullock cart pulling challenges, tested the strength and endurance of the athletes.
The games also included strategy games like Togyzkumalak and performances of traditional Kazakh and Kyrgyz folk music and poetry duels, highlighting the cultural richness of the region.
Kazakhstan emerged as the overall winner of the games, securing 112 medals including 43 golds. Kyrgyzstan and Russia followed closely with 65 and 49 medals respectively. However, the event saw victories from athletes across the globe, with Hungary securing eight medals and Italy achieving its first gold medal in the Nomad Games thanks to a judo fighter’s victory in traditional Kazakh wrestling.
The success of the 2023 games has fueled ambitions to expand the event’s reach globally, with organizers aiming to host future editions beyond Central Asia.
“We want to popularize our games and ask anyone to help spread the word,” said Zharasbayev Serik Maratovich, Kazakhstan’s vice-minister of Tourism and Sports. The 2026 edition of the World Nomad Games will return to Kyrgyzstan, with the potential for the games to be hosted in North America in the future.
First Piper 