Fifth World Nomad Games Kick Off with Opening Ceremony
The V World Nomad Games kicked off with a grand Opening Ceremony on September 8, 2024, with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in attendance. The event took place in Kazakhstan and was marked by a display of cultural heritage and sportsmanship.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome to the National Leader by the President of Kazakhstan, followed by the official anthems of the host country and the World Nomad Games. The Games, which originated in Kyrgyzstan, showcase the traditional sports and games of nomadic peoples from Central Asia, and have gained recognition on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic arrival of a caravan of batyrs carrying torsyks filled with sacred water from different regions of Kazakhstan. This tradition, carried over from previous Games, represents unity and tradition among the participating nations.
Athletes from around the world paraded with their national flags, ready to compete in 21 sports including horse racing, wrestling, martial arts, archery, and traditional games. Turkmenistan, with 29 athletes, is among the many nations participating in this year’s Games.
The evening continued with a vibrant theatrical performance showcasing Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, culminating in a musical celebration of friendship among nations. The festivities concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks, marking the official start of the V World Nomad Games.
As the Games progress, athletes and spectators alike can look forward to a celebration of diversity, tradition, and athletic excellence, as participants give their all in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
