Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The 6th edition is being held from 31 August to 6 September 2026 in Kyrgyzstan.
The biennial World Nomad Games celebrate the sporting traditions, culture and heritage of nomadic civilisations. Rather than focusing only on conventional sports, the event brings countries together through their shared historical, cultural and nomadic traditions.
World Nomad Games: Origin and Evolution
The idea for the Games emerged from the Bishkek Declaration of 2012, signed by Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey at the Summit of the Heads of Turkic States. The declaration emphasised solidarity among Turkic States.
The Games were subsequently launched by Kyrgyzstan after it gained independence in 1991. The country sought to revive indigenous traditions that were gradually disappearing and strengthen its national identity in the face of globalisation.
The first World Nomad Games were held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, in 2014, with athletes from 19 countries participating in traditional sporting competitions.
| Edition | Host |
| 2014 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 2016 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 2018 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 2022 | Iznik, Türkiye |
| 2024 | Astana, Kazakhstan |
| 2026 | Kyrgyzstan |
Why Nomadic Sports Matter?
Turkic peoples are ethnic groups spread across West, Central, East and North Asia and parts of Europe. Historically, several early communities moved from hunting, gathering and farming towards nomadic pastoralism, becoming skilled horsemen and pastoralists across the Eurasian steppes.
Activities such as horseback riding, archery, falconry and wrestling were closely connected with everyday survival and life in Central Asia. Over time, these practices evolved into competitive sporting traditions.
The World Nomad Games therefore serve not merely as a sporting competition but also as a means of preserving endangered indigenous knowledge, traditional skills and cultural practices threatened by modern sedentary lifestyles.
What Makes Nomad Games Unique?
Unlike the Olympic Games, the World Nomad Games focus on ancestral sports and the civilisational heritage of nomadic communities rather than standard Olympic disciplines.
Participation is also shaped by shared historical and nomadic connections, rather than being based solely on modern geopolitical or post-imperial relationships.
2026 Edition: India’s Largest Contingent
India has sent its largest-ever contingent to the 2026 edition, comprising 87 members:
- 73 athletes
- 10 cultural representatives
- 4 participants in the scientific programme
India has also sent a 10-member Belt Wrestling contingent from Nagaland.
Indian athletes are participating in a diverse range of traditional sporting disciplines, including:
- Traditional wrestling: Kurash, Goresh and Mongol Bokh
- Horse-riding and equestrian strength events: Kok Boru and Er Enish
- Archery
- Board and strategy games: Toguz Korgool, Mangala and Ordo
Sports, Culture and Science at the 2026 Games
The 2026 edition features 43 sporting disciplines. These include traditional wrestling styles such as Goresh, Kurash and Mongol Bokh, along with Kok Boru, Kekpar, equestrian events, Toguz Kargool, Mangala, Oware, Chuko, Ordo, tug of war and strongman competitions.
The Games extend beyond sports through dedicated cultural and scientific programmes.
Cultural Programme: Recognised by UNESCO, it includes:
- Echo of Nomads
- Nomad Fest
- Heritage of Nomads
- Art Lab
- Ethno-Bazaar
Science Programme: It features international conferences and discussions focusing on nomadic heritage, traditional knowledge and cultural dialogue.
Importance for India-Central Asia Relations
India has increasingly strengthened its engagement with Central Asian countries for strategic, economic and connectivity-related reasons.
Key areas include:
- Security cooperation, particularly following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan
- Countering China’s growing influence
- Connectivity initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- Meeting India’s energy requirements
- Strengthening cultural links and people-to-people relations
Participation in the World Nomad Games therefore provides India with an opportunity to deepen not only sporting and cultural connections but also its broader engagement with Central Asia.