The 5th World Nomad Games Conclude
From September 8 to 13, the 5th World Nomad Games took place in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. Over the course of a week, competitions were held across 21 sports, daily cultural programs were hosted in the "Universe of Nomads" Ethno Village, and a scientific and practical conference titled "Nomads: History, Knowledge, Lessons" was conducted as part of the scientific program. Approximately 2,500 participants from 89 countries took part in the 5th World Nomad Games.
More than 100 cultural events were held in the Ethno Village, which was set up near the Hippodrome "Qazanat". Every day, different regions of Kazakhstan hosted concerts, craft fairs, exhibitions, and aitys competitions. Renowned photojournalist Jimmy Nelson set up a photo studio in a Kazakh yurt, and yurts were also set up by UNESCO, UNICEF, and Alageum.
The sporting program lasted six days, with competitions held across 21 sports at six venues: the Hippodrome "Qazanat" , the "Argymak" archery range, the Ethno Village, the Zh. Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, and the "Alau" Ice Palace. A total of 97 sets of medals were awarded. Kazakhstan led the medal standings with 112 medals, including 43 gold, 32 silver, and 37 bronze.
Kyrgyzstan took second place, winning a total of 65 medals: 19 gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze.
Uzbekistan placed third in the medal standings with 49 medals: 12 gold, 12 silver, and 25 bronze.
The largest number of athletes came from various regions of Kazakhstan – 195 people. Kyrgyzstan sent 172 athletes, while Russia had 144 participants.
The largest number of participants competed in the kazakh kures (Kazakh wrestling) event, with 266 athletes.
Over 100 vehicles were used for transportation. Approximately 1,600 volunteers assisted participants and guests during the Games.
At today's closing ceremony held in the Ethno Village, the athletes were greeted by a "live corridor" of about 1,000 volunteers and visitors to the Ethno Village. The ceremony featured speeches by the President of the World Ethnosport Confederation, Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabosynov, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, Altynbek Maksutov, and the Head of the 5th World Nomad Games Organizing Committee.
The 6th World Nomad Games will take place in Kyrgyzstan. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan made the announcement during the closing ceremony, stating that the World Nomad Games would return to Kyrgyzstan. As a symbol of the Games, he presented Altynbek Maksutov with a torsyk (traditional leather vessel).