The first youth Delphic Games among the member states of the SCO have opened in Bishkek, turning the capital into a center of cultural art and craftsmanship. The official ceremony to kick off the games took place yesterday at the Toktogul Satylganov National Philharmonic, characterized by a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
High-ranking guests attended the event, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov, ambassadors from the SCO member states, the mayor of Bishkek, an advisor from the SCO secretariat, as well as the director of the International Delphic Committee and the chairman of the Delphic Committee of Kyrgyzstan. A total of 700 participants, including 300 international participants from countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, and Russia, along with 400 representatives from Kyrgyzstan, became part of this significant event. The best musical and dance groups from the country, as well as previous winners of the Delphic Games, showcased their talents on stage.
The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, also addressed the participants of the games through Edil Baisalov, emphasizing that such events strengthen cultural ties and showcase Kyrgyzstan as a center of diversity and historical heritage among the SCO countries. He wished the participants good luck and success, and a message from the Secretary-General of the SCO, Nurlan Ermekbaev, was also read.
As Edil Baisalov noted, holding such Delphic Games highlights Kyrgyzstan's active role in cultural cooperation within the SCO. This event serves as an important platform for preserving and popularizing cultures, as well as for revealing the talents of youth from various countries. He expressed hope that the festive atmosphere would inspire participants for successful performances.
Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliev added that it is a great honor for the capital to host such a significant international event that unites young talents and representatives of the arts. "The Delphic Games are a space where talents are revealed and friendship between nations is strengthened, as well as an opportunity for better mutual understanding through creativity," he noted.
The Delphic Games, held for the first time under the auspices of the SCO in honor of its 25th anniversary, are not just a competition but a true cultural forum that, as participants and guests note, contributes to strengthening international ties and friendships among young people from different countries.
The competitions will last until March 28 and cover eight areas: piano, visual arts, folk and pop vocal arts, folk dances, DJing, performance on folk instruments, and decorative and applied arts.
In the field of art, the Delphic Games hold similar significance to the Olympic Games in sports, representing a global system for discovering and supporting young talents and self-realization of youth in various artistic fields. To date, more than 100 international and national Delphic Games have been held, which have become a significant event in the field of international relations.
History of the Delphic Games
The Delphic Games have their roots in the ancient Greek Pythian Games, which were held in Delphi in honor of the god Apollo. According to myths, Apollo defeated the dragon Python, and in honor of this victory, new competitions were established. The first written mentions of the Pythian Games date back to 582 BC.
The Pythian Games were held in the year preceding the Olympic Games and were abolished in 394 AD by the last ruler of the Roman Empire, Theodosius I.
The revival of artistic competitions occurred thanks to French Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who initiated their holding at the Olympic Games from 1912 to 1948. However, due to financial difficulties, such festivals were discontinued. In the 1970s, work began in the USSR to revive the Delphic Games as part of creative events for youth organizations.
