World Nomad Games: The spectacular ‘Olympics’ of Central Asia Getty Images The World Nomad Games are a spectacular celebration of traditional sports, identity and culture (Credit: Getty Images) The fifth World Nomad Games kicked off this week in Kazakhstan’s capital of Astana. Dubbed the “Great Gathering on the Steppe”, the Olympics of the nomadic world is a spectacular celebration of traditional sports, identity and culture from across inner Asia. Part Highland Games, part Mongolian Naadam festival, and featuring sports like horseback wrestling and Central Asian strongman competitions, the World Nomad Games give a flavour of what the Olympics might have looked like if Genghis Khan had been in charge.
The nomadic lifestyle, with its emphasis on speed, agility, and endurance, has left an indelible mark on the modern sporting landscape. This legacy is evident in the popularity of equestrian sports like horse racing, polo, and dressage, which are deeply rooted in the nomadic traditions of the steppes. Furthermore, the nomadic lifestyle fostered a culture of competition and a strong sense of community.
Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) A spectacular opening The opening ceremony on 8 September was a spectacular affair, with 3,000 athletes from 89 countries filing into the arena, as hundreds of musicians, dancers and singers performed in front of Central Asia’s political elite. The show traced the history of the Kazakh steppe from ancient Scythian warriors and Silk Road merchants to the rise of the Golden Horde and the Kazakh khanate in the 15th Century. Performers depicted scenes of the steppe convening under the symbolic embroidered panels of a yurt (pictured above), a reference to the gatherings of nomadic confederations that occurred periodically to enthrone a new khagan (ruler).
Bradley Mayhew (Credit: Bradley Mayhew) Central Asia’s wildest sport This Games favourite – known variously across the region as kokpar, kok buru, ulak tartysh and buzkashi – is best described in English as rugby on horseback with a dead goat as a ball. Two teams of seven horsemen compete to grab hold of the headless carcass (made of rubber for these games), hoist it under their leg, sprint for the opposition’s line and then dump it in a ring of rope or a large plastic doughnut. Rough and tumble is putting it mildly; broken fingers and ripped ears are par for the course. “The most important attribute for a kokpar player is to be strong, to be brave and to not be afraid,” said the Kazakh team captain, Kermenbek Turganbek.
The victory marked a significant moment in the history of both nations, as it was the first time Kazakhstan had ever won the Central Asian Football Championship. This victory was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the Kazakh players. The team’s success was a source of national pride and unity, uniting the country in a shared sense of accomplishment. The victory also had a significant impact on the economy of Kazakhstan.
The sport is a blend of traditional wrestling techniques and equestrian skills, requiring both physical strength and agility. It is a relatively new sport, having been established in 2008. The sport has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States, where it is now considered a recognized sport by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The rules of horseback wrestling are relatively straightforward.
The sport’s origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been practiced in the region for thousands of years. Archery is a skill that requires both physical and mental prowess, demanding precision, focus, and a deep understanding of the bow and arrow. It is a sport that transcends cultural boundaries, uniting people from all walks of life.
The stick is held in a specific way, known as the “cross-grip,” which allows for a powerful and controlled strike. The goal of the game is to hit the opponent’s stick with the mas, aiming for a specific target area. The target area is typically located on the opponent’s stick, and the player who hits it first wins.
Picture above, these women in traditional Kazakh dress stand in front of an apple tree in reference to the city’s claim to be the ancestral home of the wild apple; Almaty’s Soviet-era name Alma-Ata means “Grandfather of Apples”. Bradley Mayhew (Credit: Bradley Mayhew) Minstrels, music and epic poetry One of the great joys of attending the World Nomad Games is the traditional music that pours out of the concert venues and yurts of the Ethno-aul complex. The most compelling Kazakh performers are its akim, bards or storytellers who recite and improvise epic poems and histories, while playing the dombra, a Kazakh-style lute.
This is a snapshot of a vibrant cultural scene, showcasing the unique blend of musical traditions from different regions. The musicians are not just playing instruments; they are telling stories, expressing emotions, and connecting with their audience through their music. The dombra, with its distinctive sound and intricate design, is a symbol of the region’s rich musical heritage.
Yet, this juxtaposition is precisely what makes Astana so fascinating. Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a city of contrasts, a testament to the country’s complex history and its aspirations for the future. Astana’s architectural landscape is a fascinating blend of modern and traditional.