World Nomad Games 2028: Everything We Know So Far

Breaking news: the location for the 7th World Nomad Games has been announced. In 2028, the World Nomad Games will take place in Kazan, the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan. After previous editions in Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Kazakhstan, the international event is moving to another new destination.

For us, this is exciting news. We attended the World Nomad Games in 2024 and 2026 and by now know just how special this event can be. At the same time, an edition in Tatarstan raises a few questions. What will the event look like? Which sports and cultural events will be on the programme? And can we organise a trip there in 2028? We are currently exploring the possibilities for you. But one thing we already know: the World Nomad Games are an event you won’t forget anytime soon!

What Are the World Nomad Games?

The World Nomad Games are an international event celebrating traditional sports and the culture of nomadic peoples. But don’t expect the Olympic Games as you know them! Instead of swimming, athletics and gymnastics, you’ll see sports rooted in the nomadic history of Central Asia and other regions. Think horseback wrestling, horseback archery, traditional wrestling styles, falconry and various equestrian games.

And that is exactly what makes the World Nomad Games so interesting. You are not simply watching a sporting competition; you are experiencing traditions that are still very much part of cultural life today.

Where will the World Nomad Games 2028 take place?

The World Nomad Games 2028 will be held in Kazan, in the Republic of Tatarstan. Located on the banks of the Volga River, Kazan is one of Russia’s most fascinating cities. It is a cultural crossroads where Tatar, Russian and Islamic influences come together. That makes Kazan a particularly interesting setting for the World Nomad Games. Tatarstan has a long history in which horses, hunting, martial arts and traditional sports have played an important role.

The official announcement was made by the President of Kyrgyzstan during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Nomad Games. According to the announcement, Russia has officially confirmed that it is ready to host the event.

How were the previous editions like?

What can you see at the World Nomad Games?

The exact programme for 2028 has not yet been announced. Based on previous editions, you can expect a fascinating combination of traditional sports and cultural events.

Traditional equestrian sports

Horses are inseparable from nomadic culture. During the Games, various equestrian sports take place, including traditional horse races and spectacular team sports on horseback. One of the best-known events is kok boru. In this traditional Central Asian sport, teams on horseback try to carry a ball or goat carcass into the opposing team’s goal. It is fast, physical and pretty intense.

Horseback archery

Another spectacular discipline is horseback archery: shooting a bow while riding a horse at full speed. It requires a combination of balance, timing and accuracy that you don’t come across every day. Traditional archery competitions and other forms of hunting and horse riding are also regularly part of the Games. During the 2024 edition in Kazakhstan, the programme included horseback archery, traditional archery, kokpar and various equestrian sports.

Wrestling and traditional games

Wrestling plays an important role in the World Nomad Games. Various traditional styles from Central Asia and other regions come together during the event. There are also all kinds of sports and games that will be completely new to many visitors. Think traditional strength competitions, tug of war and strategic board games such as toguz korgool.

Eagles and falconry

Traditional hunting techniques and falconry are also part of the Games. At previous editions, demonstrations with birds of prey were among the most impressive things to experience up close. It is precisely this combination of sport and living tradition that makes the World Nomad Games so different from a regular international sporting event.

More than just sport

The World Nomad Games are about much more than competitions. Just as interesting is everything happening around the sports. Previous editions featured large ethnovillages with yurts, traditional crafts, music, dance, food and demonstrations. In Kazakhstan, for example, the ‘Universe of Nomads’ Ethno Village was the centre of the cultural programme, with daily concerts, craft markets, exhibitions and other activities. So even if you are not particularly into sports, there is plenty to see and experience.

Join us for the World Nomad Games 2028

Would you like to experience the World Nomad Games 2028 in Kazan? CultureRoad is currently exploring the possibilities for a trip to the World Nomad Games 2028. The exact travel dates and programme will be announced through our newsletter as soon as official information becomes available. Would you like to join us? Leave your details using the button below and we’ll keep you updated as soon as there is more news about the trip!