Kok boru translates to "gray wolf" in Russian. The origins of this unique game go back to a distant past. In the nomadic society, it was the men who went hunting for prey to feed their kin. The livestock remained under the watch of the elders and women. During this time, wolves often attacked and brought much misfortune to the people. Upon returning from the hunt, angry horsemen on swift and resilient horses would chase the wolf pack. They would pick up a running wolf from the ground, toss it to each other, and even playfully intercept it. Gradually, this evolved into a game, with the main goal being military training, but it also became entertainment for the people.
To tell us about this amazing sport, we asked Tabyldy Asygaliev, who is the organizer of many competitions and a long-time commentator. He knows the history of kok boru better than anyone else and is highly respected among the players. For the past three years, Tabyldy has also been the curator for the development of national equestrian sports in the republic at the National Sports Development Center.
- I have been with the federation since its inception in 1997 and have served for many years as the press secretary, organizing all matches in collaboration with the general secretary, Temir Duyshkeyev. We traveled all over the republic promoting this sport. Currently, many tournaments are held, almost every weekend, with significant prize funds. Many companies approach me for help with organizing and conducting competitions; I am now the longest-serving member of the federation, having worked here for almost 20 years.
- Tell me, why is kok boru considered more of a sport than a game?
- Originally, it was a national game held during holidays for all respected individuals, and hosts would also organize races, after which the carcass of a goat would be presented to the guest. However, strength, agility, courage, and the endurance of the horse are very important, so it can indeed be called a sporting game. Not everyone can lift a 35 kg goat carcass, drag it, and then throw it into the taj kazan. Matches are held at very high speeds. There is both spectacle and excitement; it is one of the most beloved sports of our people.
Moreover, competitions are scored. Back in 1996, Bolot Shamsheev, Temir Duyshkeyev, and Askar Salymbekov transformed the national game into a sport by developing rules and defining the field sizes. The rules turned out to be almost like hockey. Stadiums began to be built. The largest tournament, "Manas-fest 1997," was held in Talas with a prize fund of 1 million soms, featuring 16 teams, including two teams from Kazakhstan. In 1998, the federation was established, led by Bolot Sherniyazov. The first championship was held in 1999, and the country champion was the "Rassvet" team (Sokuluk district).
- Speaking of the Ak-Kula hippodrome, where the main tournaments take place, it was built long before the federation appeared?
- Of course, this complex was built during the Soviet Union; similar structures exist in Krasnodar and Moscow. It was intended for horse racing, but gradually the area near the central stand was adapted for kok boru competitions, and since then, championships have been held here. The stands can accommodate two thousand spectators, and during finals, up to 10 thousand guests gather. The hippodrome is surrounded on all sides.
The hippodrome in Cholpon-Ata has also been renovated. It was there that matches were held as part of the World Nomad Games, and these competitions are already planned for next year.
- So, is this a very expensive sport?
- Certainly, maintaining a purebred horse is very costly. It is also challenging to transport horses, especially since we travel to international tournaments in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The horses of the teams are purebred, with prices ranging from 3 to 70 thousand dollars. Teams also participate in training camps. There are professional clubs where players receive salaries.
- How many high-level teams are there today?
- In the President's Cup of the republic, 12 teams compete. Previously, regional champions competed, but now the championship is held among club teams. Very strong teams include "Talas-Manas," "Rassvet," "Dordoy," and "Borulu." Currently, one of the strongest teams is "Suusamyr." Kok boru is developing across all regions of the country, with competitions regularly held at hippodromes in Sokuluk, Baytik, and Kemine, where taj kazans are set up in every aul. I constantly receive calls asking for the coordinates of the fields. This sport is already developing on its own. The Kazakhs are catching up with us, despite their rules differing from ours. In 2002, an international federation was established, which included Turkey, the Altai Republic of Sakha, Uzbekistan, China, and Tajikistan. They accepted this game with our original name. At one time, the Kazakhs lost 10:0. Then they began to buy our horses, film the games, analyze tricks and combinations, and started winning. The championship in Altai has been held for 10 years, as it has in Kazakhstan.
- Sports experts say that for kok boru to reach an international level, many changes need to be made to the rules?
- Yes, you are right. This primarily concerns the carcass used in the game. Sheikh Al-Sabah, the President of the Association of National Committees of Asia, wanted to showcase kok boru at the opening of the Asian Games, but there are many animal protection parties worldwide. Before the game, we cut the goat carcass that the teams play with, and therefore, to reach an international level, we want to replace the carcass with a rubber model. Removable goals that can be transported from field to field are also necessary. Undoubtedly, this sport will continue to develop in our country. Currently, the federation is headed by deputy Kanat Isayev. He is himself an ulakchy and still trains. At one time, I prepared all the necessary documents from the National Sports Development Center and the federation, which were submitted for kok boru to be recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Furthermore, it is worth noting that kok boru teams are potential defenders of the homeland, with well-trained cavalry ready to defend their people at any moment.