The 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan entered its final stage on September 4. Representatives from 104 countries are participating in the competition, with medals up for grabs in 43 disciplines. Following the first days, the Kyrgyz team confidently leads the medal count, having won 39 medals, including 19 gold. Kazakhstan is second with 34 medals, and Russia is third with 24.
One of the highlights of the day was the Kyrgyz kok-boru team's advancement to the final. The Games hosts convincingly defeated Russia 16-5 to take first place in their group. Prior to this, the Kyrgyz team defeated Uzbekistan 16-11 and the United States 16-7. The final will take place on September 6 in Cholpon-Ata, so kok-boru remains the main sporting anticipation for Kyrgyz fans.
As usual, the Kazakhstan team also reached the finals, having played only one game in a group of three teams and taking first place due to Hungary's player injuries.
Kokpar (the Kazakh version of kok-boru), er enish, traditional wrestling, equestrian archery, and ordo and toguz korgool (an intellectual game similar to chess) are also of great interest. The results demonstrate not only Kyrgyzstan's dominance but also the high level of competition from Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and other participants.
Traditionally, the teams of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will meet in the finals of both equestrian sports—kok-boru and kok-par. The match will take place before the closing ceremony of the Games on September 6 in Cholpon-Ata. Teams Russia and Uzbekistan will compete for third place. Team Russia consists of representatives of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Russia. The participation of the US team, who came from Utah, attracted particular attention. This is their sixth consecutive Games.
The Tyiyn Enmei (a horseback ride performed by a rider while at full gallop) competition was a highlight: Kanat Baktybai of Kazakhstan won, while Azim Esenbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan took silver and an athlete from Mongolia took bronze.
The Kunan Chabysh (a race for horses under three years old) race was won by a representative from Tajikistan, the Jorgo Chabysh race by a representative from Kyrgyzstan, and the most prestigious race, Alaman Baige, saw the top three places taken by representatives from Kazakhstan.
Thus, the 6th Nomad Games are becoming not only a major sporting event but also an international platform where traditional sports are being developed and expanded far beyond the borders of Central Asia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 4, 2026