By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

On September 8-13, 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. Approximately 2,800 participants from 89 countries, including Korea and United States of America, took part in the 5th World Nomad Games.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished international leaders and officials, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, Rustam Minnikhanov of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Aisen Nikolayev, Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Other notable attendees included former Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar and President of the World Ethnosport Confederation, Bilal Erdoğan, as well as representatives from international organizations such as UNESCO, the UN World Tourism Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, and the European Union.

More than 100 cultural events were held in the Ethno Village, which was set up near the Qazanat Hippodrome. Every day, different regions of Kazakhstan hosted concerts, craft fairs, exhibitions, and aitys competitions. Yurts were also set up by UNESCO, UNICEF, and Alageum.

American cowboys also participated in the game of Kokpar (goat pullig).

The sporting program lasted six days, with competitions held at six venues: the Qazanat Hippodrome, 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 the second place, winning a total of 65 medals: 19 gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze. Russia placed third with 49 medals: 12 gold, 12 silver, and 25 bronze. Uzbekistan, Turkey, Iran, Hungary, Turkmenistan, Romania, and Poland also ranked among the top ten in the medal standings.

The largest number of participants competed in the Kazakh kures (Kazakh wrestling) event, with 266 athletes.
The closing 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.

It also featured a standalone concert by Dimash Kudaibergen, Kazakhstan’s world famous star.

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).

Overall, the Games helped bring together people from participating even closer and promoted international friendship, as sports transcends national borders.