From August 31 to September 6, 2026, Kyrgyzstan will host the VI World Nomad Games (WNG). The details of this significant event, including the location, time, and innovations in the program, were shared at a press conference by the Director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazbek Moldazhiyev.
It is worth noting that in December 2025, Kyrgyzstan was granted the status of the brand holder for the World Nomad Games. "Obtaining this status is not only a right but also an obligation for Kyrgyzstan to shape the rules, concept, and format of the Games," Moldazhiyev emphasized.
According to Moldazhiyev, interest in the World Nomad Games is growing among the international community each year.
"43 types of national and traditional sports have already been registered for the VI Games," he added.In 2014, representatives from 19 countries participated in the first WNG, in 2016 — 62, in 2018 — 82, in 2022 — 79, and in 2024 — already 89 countries.
The number of athletes has also significantly increased: from 771 participants in 2014 to about 2,500 in 2024. More than 100 countries and over 3,000 athletes are expected to participate in the VI World Nomad Games.
As reported by Kazbek Moldazhiyev, the opening of the VI World Nomad Games will take place on August 31, 2026, coinciding with the anniversary summit of the SCO, which will attract additional attention to the event. The grand opening will be held in Bishkek at the under-construction "Bishkek Arena" stadium.
A distinctive feature of this year's Games will be their format.
"The opening ceremony will take place on August 31, and on September 1, all participants will be sent to Cholpon-Ata (Issyk-Kul region) for accommodation. The Games will start on September 2 and conclude on September 6 at the same location," he clarified.The main venues for the competitions have been identified: the hippodrome, the "Gazprom" Sports Complex, the "Rukh-Ordo" Ethno-Complex, and Kychyn.
Program of Events
The program of the World Nomad Games includes eight main areas:
- national games of the peoples of the world;
- horse racing;
- competitions on horseback;
- national types of wrestling;
- traditional strength sports;
- intellectual games;
- traditional archery;
- national hunting with falcons and dogs.
Kazbek Moldazhiyev noted that equestrian sports occupy a central place in the World Nomad Games, as they are the most interesting for spectators.
"The game of kokpar has been added to the program of the VI WNG alongside kok-boru. We insist that sport has no political coloring and promote ethno-culture. Our teams will also participate in the kokpar competitions," he added.Additionally, for the first time, winners will be determined in the categories of "Great kok-boru player" and "Great kok-boru horse," which will add interest to the competitions. Moldazhiyev also clarified that the format of club competitions in kok-boru will not be used, and the events will take place in a traditional format.
The head of the International Secretariat of the World Nomad Games, Nursultan Adenov, noted that the program also includes national types of wrestling from the peoples of Yakutia and Buryatia, who show active interest in the Games. "The delegation from Russia is one of the largest," he emphasized.
The criterion for including disciplines in the Games program is their historical value, with preference given to ancient sports.
Slogan of the Games
Kazbek Moldazhiyev announced that the slogan of the VI World Nomad Games will be: "United in strength, united in spirit.""Sport unites us. Kyrgyzstan, as a leader in the field of ethno-culture and ethno-sport, must demonstrate this unity," he added.
Expectations and Preparation
Nursultan Adenov noted that preparation for the VI Games is being carried out with special attention from the state. "We started preparations early to hold the Games at a high level. We are setting the bar higher than in 2018," he said.
In addition to the sports program, an extensive cultural block is planned. It will include evening concerts and an international ethnic festival with participation from about 40 countries, showcasing the culture of the peoples of the world in the areas of ethno-hit, ethno-fashion, ethno-dance, and ethno-storytelling.
"Kyrgyzstan will create an atmosphere of traditional ethnic culture that tourists can immerse themselves in for a week," Adenov noted.
There are also plans to create exhibition tourist zones to promote Kyrgyzstan's tourism potential.
Kazbek Moldazhiyev reported that the total prize fund for the VI World Nomad Games will amount to 49 million 800 thousand soms, and there are also plans to attract sponsors.
From the state budget, 336 million soms will be allocated for organizing the Games, which will be used for the accommodation of participants and organizational expenses. Participants will also receive gift packages.
He also noted that the prize fund for horse racing will be at least 1 million soms for first place, while in the kok-boru competitions, it will be 5 million soms.
