Thousands of athletes and performers from 90 countries have gathered beside Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul for the sixth World Nomad Games, competing across 43 disciplines drawn from centuries-old nomadic traditions.
Horses dominate many events, including mounted wrestling known as *er enish*, the high-speed “tyiyn enmei” coin-picking contest and “kok-boru”, in which rival horseback teams battle for possession of a goat carcass.
Highlights from Day 1 of the VI World Nomad Games.
The Kyrgyz Kök Börü team defeated Team USA in a very intense game.
🇺🇸 Lad Howell won the hearts of the Kyrgyz crowd with his true warrior spirit. pic.twitter.com/FzwAmJQjJ3
— Samat (@samat_awa) September 2, 2026
Team GB’s female riders took on horseback archery at the World Nomad Games in Kyrchyn Gorge, firing from the saddle against a dramatic mountain backdrop https://t.co/ad3MEBkNH6 @StephenMBland pic.twitter.com/JwpFF2Fi7r
— The Times of Central Asia (@thetimesoca) September 3, 2026
The programme also features eagle hunting, traditional archery, horse racing, wrestling and intellectual games, while yurts, handicrafts, national dress, music and regional cuisine showcase the wider culture behind the competitions.
First held in Kyrgyzstan in 2014 as part of efforts to preserve traditions at risk of disappearing, the Games have since expanded into a major international celebration of nomadic heritage, with this year’s event continuing through September 6.
