World Nomad Games 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), participated in the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event celebrates the traditional sports, culture, heritage and lifestyle of nomadic civilisations from different parts of the world.
The World Nomad Games 2026 are being held from 31 August to 6 September 2026 in Kyrgyzstan. The opening ceremony was held at Bishkek Arena, while major sporting and cultural activities are being organised in the Issyk-Kul Region.
What are the World Nomad Games?
The World Nomad Games are an international multi-sport and cultural event focused mainly on traditional and ethnic sports associated with nomadic peoples.
The Games aim to preserve and promote traditional sports, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and customs of nomadic communities. They also provide a platform for participating countries to showcase their unique cultural traditions.
The first World Nomad Games were organised in 2014 in Kyrgyzstan. Since then, the event has developed into an international platform bringing together athletes and cultural representatives from countries across Asia, Europe and other regions.
Sports and Disciplines at the World Nomad Games
Unlike conventional international sporting competitions, the World Nomad Games focus on traditional and ethnic sports. Some important sports and disciplines associated with the Games include:
- Kok Boru – A traditional Central Asian horse-riding team sport.
- Kokpar – A traditional horseback competition popular in Central Asia.
- Alysh – A form of traditional belt wrestling.
- Er Enish – Traditional wrestling performed on horseback.
- Toguz Korgool – A traditional strategic board game from Central Asia.
- Mangala – A traditional Turkish strategy board game.
- Ordo – A traditional Kyrgyz game.
- Horse Racing – Traditional horse-racing competitions.
- Mounted Archery – Archery performed while riding a horse.
- Salburun – A traditional Kyrgyz hunting and falconry practice.
- Mas-Wrestling – A traditional strength-based wrestling discipline.
These sports reflect the history, lifestyle and skills of nomadic communities.
World Nomad Games – Editions
| Edition | Year | Host Country |
| 1st | 2014 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 2nd | 2016 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 3rd | 2018 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 4th | 2022 | Türkiye |
| 5th | 2024 | Kazakhstan |
| 6th | 2026 | Kyrgyzstan |
About the Author
