In an interview with The Peninsula, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the State of Qatar Nuran Niyazaliev (pictured below) talks about the preparations for the Second World Nomad Games to be held on the shores of the Issyk-Kul Lake from September 3 to 8. It is expected that more than 2,000 athletes and competitors from 40 countries will participate in the Games.
Could you please tell us about the World Nomad Games?
There are many nations on the planet that practiced nomadic style of life in their past. Some of them, in fact, still continue the same lifestyle with minor adaptation to contemporary world. Undoubtedly, they have very rich and unique traditions, customs, culture, and of course — national games. It is important to introduce the richness and uniqueness of nomadic civilisation to the international community.
That is why H E Almazbek Atambaev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, has initiated the World Nomad Games in 2012 as an analogue of Olympic, Winter, Asian and Paralympic Games. The main idea behind the initiative is to show the history of nomad nations, their traditions, lifestyles and culture. This idea was supported by many countries and the First World Nomad Games took place on the shores of beautiful Lake Issyk-Kul in September 2014, with a participation of over 400 athletes from 19 countries. It was very successful and unforgettable event.
What kind of games or disciplines were in the programme of the World Nomad Games?
At the First World Nomad Games, athletes competed in wrestling, archery, Kok Boru, At Chabysh, Salbuurun, Er Enish, Ordo, Kyz Kuumai and others. The title of the games may sound unfamiliar, but they have very simple, easy understanding rules and well-known to many nomadic nations.
For example, At Chabysh means horse race, Salbuurun based on falcon hunting, dog hunting, archery on horseback, Kok Boru also known as Buzkashi, where riders fight for a goat carcass. Er Enish is a horseback wrestling; Ordo is played by a collection of sheep knuckles. The most beautiful, emotional and romantic game is Kyz Kuumai when a man chases woman both on horseback and if he catches up with her rewarded by a chance to kiss on cheek.
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When will the Second World Nomad Games be held?
The preparations for the Second World Nomad Games are in full swing now. This spectacular and entertaining grand event again will be held on the shores of the Issyk-Kul Lake from the 3rd to the 8th of September 2016. It is expected that this time more than 2,000 athletes and competitors from 40 countries will participate in the Games. We hope it will give powerful impetus to rebirth of original national sports, spiritual self-awareness and historical memory of nomad nations of the world.
The programme will include more than 20 sport competitions of horsemanship, strength, and endurance; Ethnic Cultural Festival and Yurt Village “Universe of Nomads”; Scientific Conference “The Civilization of Nomads: Origins, Heritage and Progress; national games of participating countries, and many fun games and activities.
Can the Qatari people participate or attend the Second World Nomad Games?
Yes, of course. One of similarities of the Kyrgyz and Qatari people is that both are belong to the nomadic civilisation. The Kyrgyz people as Bedouins used to move from one place to another according to the season of year and migration of livestock. We have also similar traditions, like horse race, falcon hunting, dog hunting or salooki, camel racing, etc.
I met with Al-Gannas Society of Qatar and invited their representatives to show their traditions and games during the World Nomad Games. We also invite the Qatari sports authorities and athletes to attend the Games in September. By the way, citizens of the State of Qatar can visit the Kyrgyz Republic without visa, since we introduced a visa free regime for them.
I should mention that during the Second World Nomad Games a special village of nomad nations will be set up in picturesque valley deep in magnificent mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Many countries can construct their temporary yurts or tents and display national traditions, art, folklore, cuisine, songs and dances as well as tourism opportunities. That is why we have invited Qatar Tourism Authority to establish a Bedouin Tent to attract more tourists from Central Asia to Qatar.
The World Nomad Games is a unique event that will thrill audiences with its beauty, entertainment and inimitability. It will demonstrate also a significant contribution of nomadic civilisations to the development of culture around the world and to promote the preservation of cultural diversity. In this regard the Kyrgyz Republic invites the State of Qatar to participate in the Second World Nomad Games.
The Peninsula
