Kazakhstan Emerges Victorious in Intense Kokpar Final Against Kyrgyz Republic
Kazakhstan Emerges Victorious in Kokpar Final at the World Nomad Games
The fifth World Nomad Games witnessed an intense final of kokpar, a traditional “goat pulling” game on horses, where Kazakhstan emerged as the winner in a thrilling match against Kyrgyzstan on Sept. 12. The Kazakh and Kyrgyz teams showcased their skills and determination, providing spectators with a captivating game full of unexpected twists and last-minute scores.
The match started off with a strong performance from the Kazakh team, with Ernat Malimbay scoring within the first few minutes. Despite trailing behind with a 1:3 score in the first half, Kazakhstan’s national team made an impressive comeback in the second half, leveling the score with goals from Abylaikhan Nyshanbekov and Kurmanbek Turganbek.
As the game progressed, the Kazakh team took the lead with a 4:3 score near the end, only for a Kyrgyz player to score a tying goal with just 20 seconds left on the clock. After a grueling 40 minutes of main time, Kazakhstan secured the victory in extra time, with Turganbek scoring the decisive goal, leading to a heartbreaking defeat for the Kyrgyz team.
Reflecting on their triumph, head coach Akylbai Mankeev praised the team’s dedication and preparation for the match. He highlighted the outstanding performances of Malimbay, Nyshanbekov, and Turganbek, who stood out as heroes of the tournament for Kazakhstan.
Turganbek, the player who scored the crucial goal in extra time, expressed his gratitude to the Kyrgyz team for a competitive game and acknowledged the support of the Kazakh people. He emphasized the team’s readiness to secure the victory, despite facing challenges during the match.
The victory of the Kazakh kokpar team in the final of the World Nomad Games serves as a testament to their skill, teamwork, and resilience in the face of tough competition. As they celebrate their well-deserved win, the Kazakh team looks forward to inspiring a new generation of players and continuing their success in future competitions.
