Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • News

The World Nomad Games Come to a Close in Astana

Wrapping up a wild week of traditional sports and nomadic culture

  • BY Aaron Kenedi
  • September 16, 2024
The World Nomad Games Come to a Close in Astana
Photo courtesy of iStock/Ozbalci
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, hosted a very different kind of international sporting event last week. The Fifth World Nomad Games brought together athletes, enthusiasts, and representatives from around the world to compete in dozens of traditional games showcasing the skills of the ancient nomadic way of life.

Nearly 3,000 athletes from more than 89 countries, (including, curiously, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), competed in 37 events. Some were physically demanding, others were more strategic, but probably all would be unfamiliar to people from outside Central Asia. And no, digital nomad, is not yet an official event.

Headless Goat Polo and Horseback Wrestling
Perhaps the feature competition of the entire event is kokboru, a game similar to polo, but with one major difference: instead of a ball, riders use a headless goat carcass. Thankfully for goats around the world, these days the “carcass” is usually made of rubber.

Purportedly invented by Gengis Khan himself, the game requires great endurance and remarkable horsemanship, pitting two teams on horseback as they battle to carry the goat carcass into their opponent’s goal. Kokboru is fiercely competitive, hugely popular in most countries in the region, and reflects the high level of skill and strength required by nomads to hunt and protect their herds.

Another big-draw event is Er Enish, or wrestling on horseback, where competitors attempt to unseat their opponents from their horses by grappling and using strength, skill, and balance. Er Enish demands brute force, incredible endurance, and a deep understanding of equestrian movement.

The Games also include competitions like At Chabysh (long-distance horse racing), Togyz Kumalak (a traditional strategy game similar to mancala), Salbuurun, a hunting sport featuring eagles and hounds, Kyrchyn Gorge, or competitive yurt building, and even good old-fashioned Tug-of-War. These competitions offer an insight into the resourcefulness and adaptability of nomadic peoples, whose lives were (and still largely are) closely intertwined with their natural environment.

The World Nomad Games Come to a Close in Astana

Not Your Father’s Olympics
Born out of a desire to revive and preserve the traditional games and cultural practices of nomadic peoples, particularly those from Central Asia, the first World Nomad Games were held in 2014 in Kyrgyzstan. The idea stemmed from Kyrgyzstan’s deep connection to its nomadic roots, where horseback riding, archery, wrestling, falconry, and other skills played a crucial role in survival and warfare for centuries.

Since its inception, the Games have grown significantly, attracting more participants and spectators from around the world with each edition. The first three Nomad Games were held in Kyrgyzstan’s picturesque Issyk-Kul region, famed for its breathtaking landscapes and strong nomadic history. In 2022, the Games expanded their reach with Turkey hosting the fourth edition, marking the first time the event was held outside of Central Asia.

This year’s Fifth World Nomad Games signal another pivotal moment in the event’s evolution. With Kazakhstan as the host, even more global attention was paid to the rich cultural and sporting traditions of the region.

A Vibrant Cultural Extravaganza
Beyond the sports, the games are a vibrant celebration of daily life that provides an international platform for often-overlooked traditions. The week-long event also includes traditional music, dance performances, and displays of handicrafts. A collective experience which is designed to bring the nomadic lifestyle to the forefront and foster an understanding and appreciation of the diversity and resilience of nomadism, a way of life that has persisted for thousands of years, from Central Asia to the Caucasus and even into Europe and North Africa.

The capital city of Astana was also on display. With its blend of modernity and state-of-the-art venues and infrastructure, combined with Kazakhstan’s deep connections to the nomadic way of life, made the city a fitting host for the Games.

To the Host Goes the Spoils
As for the competition itself, host country Kazhakstan was this year’s runaway medals leader, winning the  Er Enish title and beating arch rival Kyrgyzstan in the kokboru final in extra time.

All told, Kazakhstan won 112 medals (43 gold, 32 silver, and 37 bronze); Kyrgyzstan came in a distant second with 65 (19/21/25); Russia took home 49 (12/12/25); Uzbekistan won 34 (11/12/11); Mongolia 14 (0/45/9); Iran 13 (1/3/9); Hungary 8 (1/2/5); Georgia 8 (0/3/5); and Turkey six (2/2/2).

Aaron Kenedi

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Previous Article
A Rolling Stone Escapes
  • Your Escape Plan

A Rolling Stone Escapes

  • BY Sarah Ratliff
  • September 14, 2024
View Post
Next Article
Reasons to Move to Belize
  • News

7 Great Reasons to Move to Belize

  • BY David Lepeska
  • September 18, 2024
View Post
You May Also Like
Best Countries for Second Residency: The Ultimate Guide!
View Post
  • Second Citizenship
Best Countries for Second Residency: The Ultimate Guide!
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • October 28, 2025
Louvre museum in Paris: Jewels Robbery
View Post
  • News
Latest News: Robberies, Runways & Rising Tensions
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 23, 2025
Living in Paris: Digital Nomad Guide
View Post
  • Digital Nomadism
A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living Like a Local in Paris
  • BY Emily Draper
  • October 22, 2025
Flood in Alaska’s western coast, leaving widespread damage
View Post
  • News
Latest News: Power, Passports & the Planet
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 16, 2025
Residency by investment programs worldwide are undergoing rapid transformation.
View Post
  • Second Citizenship
Beyond the Golden Visa – The Future of Residency by Investment
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
U.S. Government shutdown - Travelers queue at airports
View Post
  • News
Latest News: Shutdowns, Spies & Soaring Gold
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 9, 2025
Australia’s Lord Howe Island restricts visitors to protect fragile ecosystem
View Post
  • News
Latest News: Crises, Convoys & Collisions
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 2, 2025
Living in Portugal as an American: What to Know Before You Move
View Post
  • Portugal
Living in Portugal as an American: What to Know Before You Move
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • September 27, 2025
Trending Posts
  • How Belize is emerging as a digital gateway for global investors 1
    • Plan B
    Belize Is Emerging as a Digital Gateway for Global Investors
    • October 22, 2025
  • Starting a Business Abroad - A world of new markets and global possibilities 2
    • Business
    The Beauty of Starting a Business Abroad
    • October 17, 2025
  • Best Countries for Second Residency: The Ultimate Guide! 3
    • Second Citizenship
    Best Countries for Second Residency: The Ultimate Guide!
    • October 28, 2025
  • An EU passport remains one of the world’s most powerful mobility assets 4
    • Second Citizenship
    The $200 Dream of EU Citizenship
    • October 29, 2025
  • Presidents Week 2025: Building the Future of Global Wealth 5
    • Presidents Week
    Presidents Week 2025: Building the Future of Global Wealth
    • October 22, 2025
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Tamraght, Best Digital nomad destinations in Morocco 1
    • Morocco
    The Hottest New Digital Nomad Destination in Morocco
    • October 24, 2025
  • Living in Paris: Digital Nomad Guide 2
    • Digital Nomadism
    A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living Like a Local in Paris
    • October 22, 2025
  • 3
    • Mexico
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Mexico
    • October 21, 2025
  • Craggy cliffs and quiet harbors frame life in the Isle of Man 4
    • Your Escape Plan
    Life and Opportunity on the Isle of Man
    • October 20, 2025
  • Welcome sign in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back Caribbean town that offers one of Costa Rica’s most colorful and affordable coastal lifestyles. 5
    • Costa Rica
    Your Guide for a Smooth Transition Moving to Costa Rica
    • October 20, 2025
Learn More
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/