The World Nomad Games will be held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026.
It is really a significant event for our country since it brings together sports, culture, and the essence of the nomadic civilization.
In the following year, the opening ceremony will take place in the capital of the Kyrgyzstan nation – Bishkek, and most of the event and competitions will take place on the banks of Lake Issyk-Kul, the pearl of the Kyrgyz land.
Over 90 nations will be represented by the athletes. These Games will be the largest in the project’s history.
The Games will feature more than 80 competition events, the majority of which are as mesmerizing as the globe’s most risky sports.
Host Cities of the World Nomad Games :
Let us observe that at first, in 2014, the World Nomad Games were held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, and afterward they came back to our nation every two years until 2018. Then it was the time for Turkey – in 2022, the Games were held in Iznik, and the last Games were in Astana, Kazakhstan.
And now the Games are returning home, to the source – into the heart of Central Asia, into Kyrgyzstan.
What sports are included in the World Nomad Games?
It is not necessary to mention that World Nomad Games are famous for their variety and entertainment. More than a dozen of old-fashioned sports still practiced since the times of ancient nomads can be observed by the visitors, each of which demonstrates the ability, power, and innovativeness needed to live in the severe steppes. Ranging between the horseback competition and wrestling matches to the demonstrations of archery and hunting, each of the events provides an insight into the rich cultural background and ages-old traditions of the Central Asian region. It is not only a demonstration of physical abilities, but a dynamic and memorable festival of history, art and the nomadic lifestyle of life that connects sportsmen, spectators and communities to the Games.
Traditional archery
In these games, competitors wear their traditional clothings and use handmade bows derived from prehistoric forms. The goal is not just to hit the target with precision and strength, but to honor their heritage as well.
It is not a player’s game – it is a way for the soul to keep living through ancient traditions.
Distance archery
It’s an old-fashioned type of archery competition, yet instead of shooting at a regular target, the contestants have to shoot as distant as they can. It’s a quiet but exciting competition, where concentration and control over every movement are critical.
Wrestling
There are all sorts of national wrestling at the World Nomad Games – Kazakh kures, Kyrgyz kurosh, Uzbek kurash, and Tajik pakhlavani. They are all unique and have their respective clothing, techniques, and style.
But they have one similarity – one must be able to demonstrate strength, endurance, agility, reflexes, and temperament of each competitor.
Strength contests and exhibition matches
These competitions are always visited by many spectators since they are dynamic and active. Among others are mas-wrestling, arm wrestling, and Great Nomadic Wrestling. One can see real strength, dexterity and the will to fight here, which make these matches particularly wonderful and fascinating for everyone.
The uniqueness of the Nomad Games
In the World Nomad Games, not only people participate, but also animals – horses, falcons, eagles, and taigans (a breed of dog).
Only here can one really observe how much skill goes into working with animals.
There is no such combination in Olympic sports.
That is what makes the Nomad Games unique: they unite physical strength, mental ability, and close friendship between humans and animals.
Archery on horse riding
In this type of competition, the riders need to shoot while riding at a high speed. They need to balance themselves, aim, and shoot the target without slowing down. It is one of the most exciting and spectacular competitions.
Er Ernish
Is a horse riding tournament in which contestants try to throw their rivals out of the saddle. It’s a game requiring tremendous strength, agility, and confident horse riding skills. Physical training is only a part of it, but trust between the horse and his rider too.
Kok-Boru
Kok-Boru is the most spectacular sport of the Nomad Games. Two teams on horseback play in a manner that they carry a goat corpse across the field and try to kick it into their opponents’ goal. The game is conducted at a high tempo, and the participants lean out from their running horses and collide forcefully. It is a hot and colorful competition that best reflects the nature of nomadic society.
Traditional horse racing
In traditional races such as At Chabysh, Kunan Chabysh, and Zhorgo Salysh, riders demonstrate the horses’ speed and endurance. The races exhibit the power, rhythm, and endurance of Central Asian horses. From distance to the exclusive Jorgo trot, horse racing is an intrinsic component of nomadic society and attracts the crowds with its passion and vigor.
Traditional hunting forms
There are competitions involving falcons, golden eagles, and taigans in the Salbuurun discipline at the World Nomad Games. It is a traditional hunting form, which was invented in Kyrgyzstan, that combines competitions between birds of prey and hunting dogs.
Burkut saluu
This is among the most exciting games as it involves proud and savage eagles, which will have to demonstrate their hunting skills.
Stage 1: The owner calls out his bird from distance, and the judges determine the time the eagle returns to its owner.
Stage 2: The eagle must catch a model fox or hare in flight, which is drawn behind a horseman. The speed and accuracy of the predator are measured.
Dalba oynotuu (Falconry)
The falcon take to the skies and must attack the “wabillo” – imitation prey. The bird is commanded by special instructions from the handler. Judges evaluate speed of flight, accuracy of attack, and cooperation of the falcon and handler.
Taigan zharish (taigan races)
Taigans-hunting dogs – take part in races on a specially prepared course. The judges consider the dogs’ speed, agility, and responsiveness, and the skill in executing commands given by their masters.
Traditional strategy games
Ordo
It’s one of the most popular traditional Kyrgyz games, which formerly trained warriors in strategic thinking. The game is played using chuko-small white sheep ankles bones, collected by nomads.
The game symbolizes fight for domination: “ordo” – center or central order. A circle is drawn on the ground to mark the khan’s territory, and players’ objective is to oust the khan’s piece beyond the circle. Today, Ordo is still an interesting and simple way to enhance coordination, planning, and caution, and involve players in nomad culture.
Traditional board games
Toguz-Korgol, Mangala, and Ovare are traditional board games that show the intelligence and strategic thinking of nomads. The games use small stones, seeds, or notched pieces, and players must count, remember moves, and think about their strategy.
These games have been passed down over generations and remain popular in Central Asia and more widely. They demand concentration with the simple materials and demonstrate the mental agility and quick thinking which nomadic societies valued so highly.
Ethno-village in the Mountains
The most interesting part of the Games is the ethno-village in the Kyrgyz mountains. It shows how the nomads lived in the past – with the yurts, felt-making, clothes, and leather crafts shops, and performances of the traditional dances.
People wear national attire from their respective nations, sharing their culture and lighting up the event with colors. The guests will be able to walk through nomadic art, sample the local food, and learn about ancient traditions.
Experience the Nomadic Legacy:
All these activities in ancient times were not just games: if they had not been there, the nomadic groups would never have survived.
The philosophy of nomadic games is to introduce the masses to acquaint themselves with the traditional games of the nomads through history and their origins. However, the main goal of the contest is not only to promote nomadic sports, but also to convey the esoteric and unusual culture of nomadic civilization.
Traditional games are a specific attitude of people toward themselves, their culture, and the world.
The core of the games is thought. It has been a part of the games from centuries. They have a peculiar experience with the nomadic period, and the nomadic ethos is deeply felt in them. The purpose of the sporting contest is to bring this ethos to the whole world.
Don’t miss out on the chance to witness one of Central Asia’s most amazing events — the World Nomad Games. Book your Central Asia Tour for the Games dates and get ready to explore the lively nomadic culture. Experience the vibe of old-school customs, see some epic contests, and get a taste of the Kyrgyz hospitality set against the backdrop of those jaw-dropping mountains.
The competitions will start at the end of summer 2026.
