World Nomad Games

Only the goat carcass was too much tradition

Kazakhstan celebrates victory in the Kokpa, the dummy lies on the ground.

(Bild: World Nomad Games)

Spectacle in the steppe: The World Nomad Games attract thousands of spectators to Kazakhstan, including a trio of Austrians who took part in the fifth edition, which ends today. In addition to archery and horse racing, the event also offered some curious disciplines...

"If you don't know your ancestry down to the seventh level, you will be an orphan", goes an old Kazakh proverb. A perfect fit for the World Nomad Games. A reminder not to forget the traditions of the homeland, but to honor them. For the thousands of tourists who don't miss out on the spectacle, it is a journey back in time. Because at the fifth edition of the "World Nomad Games" in Astana, athletes compete for gold in 21 events such as horse racing, wrestling and archery.

Enthusiasm for the games is high.

(Bild: World Nomad Games)

In the middle of the Kazakh steppe, the desired image between tradition and modernity is successfully created - the event has become a brand that attracts individual travelers, bloggers and international media.

At the premiere in 2014, 583 athletes took part, two years later 1200, and by today's final day in Kazakhstan, 2800 athletes from 89 countries have already competed. Most of the athletes come from Central Asian countries, but also from Canada, Russia, the USA and twelve EU countries, including Germany, France, Italy and Austria, which had three participants in the "Kazakh Wrestling".

Protests from animal rights activists 
The Kazakh national sport "Kokpar" is also on the program: until recently, two teams of riders fought over a headless goat carcass that was thrown into a gate - however, after massive protests from animal rights organizations, the dead animal was replaced by a dummy.

A picture of the opening ceremony - tradition is key.

(Bild: World Nomad Games)

While in the "Audaryspak" two riders try to pull themselves off their horses using special gripping techniques. Medals are also at stake in the tug-of-war, once an Olympic competition. In contrast to the Olympic Games, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan usually win them.

Kazakhstan (blue) won the medal count by a wide margin.

(Bild: World Nomad Games)

The official motto of the Nomadic Games is "The Gathering of the Great Steppe" and the logo shows a rider under a red sun. "It is a unique opportunity to show the world our rich historical and cultural heritage," said Culture Minister Aida Balayeva.