The 5th World Nomad Games: Embracing Tradition and Unity
The World Nomad Games are international competitions showcasing ethnic sports deeply rooted in the nomadic cultures of Central Asia. The games originated in Kyrgyzstan and the first three editions were held there. In 2022, Turkey hosted the event, and now in 2024, Kazakhstan will continue the tradition.
The 5th World Nomad Games will take place in Astana on September 8-14, 2024. The selection of September holds significance. In this month, nomads transitioned from summer to winter pastures, often marked by celebratory gatherings featuring games and contests.
Participation in the World Nomad Games is expanding steadily. In 2024, approximately 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations are expected to participate. Initially, the games predominantly engage nations-descendants of nomadic tribes. Nonetheless, there is a growing interest in the games each year, extending even to countries without a historical nomadic heritage.
Competitions will be held in such traditional sports as asyk atu, ordo, kurash, bayge, kokpar, audaryspak, tenge alu, kazak kuresi, alysh, ashyrtmaly aba gureshi, ssirim, mas-wrestling, togyzkumalak, mangala, ovari, traditional archery, and hunting with birds. Explore some of these disciplines in our article "National Games and Sports in Kazakhstan."
Applications for participation in the sports program are open until July 15, 2024, while submissions for the exhibition sports program are accepted until February 1, 2024.
Symbolism
The 5th World Nomad Games will be held under the motto "Uly Dala Dubiri" ("Gathering in the Great Steppe"). It pays homage to the expansive steppe known as the Saryarka, which dominates Kazakhstan's landscape. Numerous scholars argue that in this area horse was first domesticated by humans. Additionally, Saryarka was the first Kazakhstan’s natural site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The official emblem features a sun-crowned horseman, reminiscent of ancient rock paintings discovered in Central Asia, notably in Kyrgyzstan's Saimaluu-Tash National Park and the Tanbaly Tract in southern Kazakhstan.-large.jpeg)
Where will the competitions take place?
The tournaments will feature 20 competitive sports and 10 demonstration events. Horse racing, archery, and traditional bird hunting competitions will unfold at the Kazanat Racecourse and the adjoining ethnic village. Wrestling matches and folk games will take place at the Martial Arts Palace named after Zh.Ushkempirov and the Alau Ice Rink. The Duman Complex will serve as the venue for traditional intellectual games. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for the Astana Arena stadium, while the closing ceremony will be held at the Kazanat Racecourse. For those unfamiliar with Kazakhstan's capital or seeking guidance on navigating the city, we recommend reading our Astana guide.
Water relay
Traditionally, major sporting events like the Olympic Games start with the Torch Relay, yet for the World Nomad Games, water was chosen as a symbolic cornerstone.
In the lead-up to the games' opening ceremony, theatrical performances will unfold in Kazakhstan's major cities. Water sourced from local springs will be collected, contained in torsyks (leather vessels), and carried along central streets to each city's main square, where a water tribute ceremony will take place. Then, these caravans will embark on their journey to Astana.
Opening and closing ceremonies
At the opening ceremony, caravans bearing water from every corner of Kazakhstan will converge upon the Astana Arena stadium.
Spectators will also witness a performance recounting Kazakhstan's significant historical milestones. The best creative ensembles from across the nation will perform Kazakh folk music and traditional dances.
Representatives from participating countries will parade in separate contingents according to alphabetical order. Following, the flags of Kazakhstan and the World Nomad Games will be raised.
The ceremony will culminate with an address by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, formally declaring the commencement of the games.
The closure of the 5th World Nomad Games will take place at the Kazanat Racecourse after the final kokpar match. Participants will collectively march in unison, symbolizing the bond forged among athletes, akin to one united family throughout the games.
Ethnic village
The day before the opening ceremony, the ethnic village will welcome its first guests. It will host the theatrical performance "Astana – the Capital of Nomads" on the games' first day. This event will be attended by foreign dignitaries and leaders of international sports organizations.
The ethnic village is situated adjacent to the Kazanat Racecourse. Guests will immerse themselves in the traditions of the Kazakh people and the cultures of participating nations.
The most interesting events are hunting competitions with birds of prey and demonstrations of traditional wrestling. Additionally, a fair-exhibition will showcase artisans' finest works and offer interactive master classes. Aitys, an impromptu competition among akyns (poets and singers), promises to be one of the village's most captivating events. The Neo Nomads Fest will present nomadic culture through contemporary lenses.
Ensuring children's delight, the village will feature several playgrounds and Kazakh-style attractions tailored for young guests.
An ethno-fashion festival will spotlight various national costumes. One of the notable participants is the Kazakh brand Global Nomads, specializing in neonomadic clothing.
A culinary extravaganza awaits at the Kazakh national cuisine festival, inviting guests to try dishes such as beshbarmak, kazy, and kurt, and even participate in their preparation.
Conference
During the 5th World Nomad Games, an international scientific and practical conference titled "Nomads: History, Knowledge, Lessons" will convene. The conference will take place on September 11-13, 2024. Applications are accepted until April 1, 2024.
How to attend the Nomad Games?
You can purchase tickets here. However, following the devastating floods in Kazakhstan, ticket sales for the World Nomad Games have been temporarily suspended. Ticket sales are expected to resume around May 15, 2024.
Offline ticket offices will open in Astana just before the competitions begin in September 2024.
Competitions in Togyzkumalak, Mangala, and Ovari are held without spectators, so tickets for these events will not be sold.
Children under 5 years old (without provision of a seat) and individuals with disabilities of groups I and II can attend the competitions for free. Free tickets can only be obtained at offline ticket offices with the appropriate documentation. Discounts will be available for students and retirees. However, free tickets and discounts will not be applicable to the opening and closing ceremonies. Additionally, free tickets will not be available for the Kokpar final.
It is advisable to secure train or plane tickets and make hotel reservations well in advance. With the competitions expected to draw up to 100 thousand tourists to the capital of Kazakhstan, accommodations may become scarce in the days leading up to the games.
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