The highly anticipated 5th World Nomad Games have commenced in Astana, Kazakhstan, with a grand opening ceremony held at the Astana Arena. This momentous event has attracted over 2,500 athletes and numerous visitors from 89 nations, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of nomadic societies and showcasing the unique sports and customs that have been passed down through generations. The Games, recognized by UNESCO as part of its World Heritage List, serve as a premier global platform for showcasing traditional sports and cultural exchange.
In his opening address, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the historical significance of nomadic cultures and their lasting impact on the world. He underscored the contributions of renowned figures like Al-Farabi and Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who originated from the Kazakh land and made significant strides in science and humanistic thought. President Tokayev emphasized the unifying power of the Nomad Games, stating that they not only honor traditional sports but also promote global unity and mutual understanding. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to peace and coexistence, stating, “Kazakhstan is known to everyone as a land of peace and coexistence.”
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed global figures, including Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Zhaparov, Chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan’s People’s Council, Tatarstan’s leader Rustam Minnikhanov, and Aisen Nikolayev, head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Distinguished guests also included former Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar and Bilal Erdoğan, President of the World Ethnosport Confederation. Representatives from key international bodies such as UNESCO, the UN World Tourism Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, and the European Union were present to witness this remarkable event.
The ceremony concluded with a captivating cultural showcase that transported the audience through Kazakhstan’s rich history, from the Tengri era and the rise of the khanates to its contemporary evolution. The performance underscored the timeless themes of harmony with nature, reverence for the earth, and the collective responsibility to safeguard the planet, humanity’s shared home.
From September 9th to September 13th, athletes will compete in a wide array of nomadic sports including horseback archery, martial arts, falconry, and traditional wrestling. These competitions offer a unique platform for showcasing the cultural heritage of participating nations on an international stage, fostering friendship and peace through sportsmanship. The first three editions of the Games were hosted in Kyrgyzstan, with the most recent one held in Türkiye. With 21 different sports to be contested, the World Nomad Games provide a unique platform for countries with nomadic traditions, and others, to unite in a celebration of cultural diversity.
