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Are you ready to experience the thrill of nomadic heritage? The World Nomad Games (WNG) are a global celebration of ethnic sports rooted in the folk games of historically nomadic peoples of Central Asia. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the WNG aims to promote the development of ethno-sports and the ethno-cultural movement, protecting the heritage of human civilization. Join CultureRoad as we will be going to the 6th Edition of the World Nomad Games in 2026!
While the final program is still to be confirmed by the organization we already opened up a pre-registration to join the tour and attend the games. The tour will attend the main ceremonies and games and show you the highlights of Kyrgyzstan and its surroundings.
Register now to join to the World Nomad Games 2026
World Nomad Games
When: TBC 2026
Where: Kyrgyzstan
Expected participants: 3,000
Different sports: 13
CultureRoad World Nomad Games Tour: TBC 2026
Itinerary: World Nomad Games 2024
What you need to know about the games from 2024
The 5th World Nomad Games in Astana embraced the motto “The Gathering of the Great Steppe.” The official logo featured a unique solar horseman, a consistent element in WNG logos. This event takes place every 2 years and features competitions in a diverse array of sports, combining tradition and skill on the best sports grounds in the city.
Six metropolitan facilities, including Astana Arena Stadium and Alau Ice Palace, hosted different competitions, from horse racing and traditional archery to wrestling and intellectual games. A total of 110 sets of medals were awarded across the various sports. Athletes from around the world competed passionately, striving for excellence and showcasing the spirit of the nomadic heritage. Here’s a glimpse of what it was:
- Horse Races
- Traditional Intellectual Games
- National Types of Wrestling
- Martial Arts
- Traditional Archery
You can find more information about the upcoming event on the homepage of the World Nomad Games.
Opening ceremony
There was also an opening ceremony during the World Nomad Games. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Olympic Games, the opening ceremonies showcased the cultural heritage of Kazakhstan, highlighting essential moments in the nation’s development through theatrical performances. The opening included the flag ceremony and national anthems, concluding with the Head of State officially declaring the Games open.
Cultural Program
A cultural program took place as well. This included the Universe of Nomads festival, which unveiled modern cultural trends. Kids had fun with ethnic-themed playgrounds, and there was a fashion show showcasing diverse ethnic clothing, led by Global Nomads.
Scientific Program
Lastly, a scientific and practical conference on ethnosports development was available. This took place on the eve of the World Nomad Games. Topics included training methods for ethnic athletes, future possibilities, global rules standardization, and more.
Come join us on this awesome adventure! Check out the Nomad Games itinerary from 2024 and let’s make some amazing memories together for 2026!
Globalization narrows cultural differences by making everything more alike. Former president of Kyrgyzstan Atambaev proposed the World Nomad Games in 2012, a unique initiative supported by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. These games, rooted in the nomadic world’s rich culture, aim to revive and protect the identity and ways of life of nomadic peoples amidst globalization. Former president of Kyrgyzstan Atambaev’s, announced the first World Nomad Games in 2014 showcasing ethnosports and an ethnographic festival, receiving positive feedback from 30 countries. The success led to the Second World Nomad Games in 2016, expanding to 23 sports and featuring a recreated nomadic town.
The World Nomad Games debuted in Kyrgyzstan, with Cholpon-Ata hosting the international competitions on three occasions.
– in 2014 – 583 athletes from 19 countries, 10 sports.
– in 2016 – 1,200 athletes from 62 countries, 26 sports.
– in 2018 – 2,000 athletes from 82 countries, 37 sports.
– in 2022 – 3,000 athletes from 102 countries, 13 sports.
The 5th World Nomad Games were held in 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan. 2,430 athletes from 89 countries, 21 sports.
Blog posts about the World Nomad Games
Sports at the World Nomad Games in Astana
Step into the heart of the nomadic culture and witness the exhilarating Nomad Games, a grand celebration of traditional sports and cultural heritage, set against…