Although the Kyrgyz became sedentary in the 20th century, they have preserved many traditions from their nomadic heritage, including numerous games that remain popular today. Here are a few of them, which help preserve an original, charming and authentic culture in Kyrgyzstan.

Kok-Boru : the national sport

This horseback sport, which resembles polo, rugby or football, is widespread throughout Central Asia under different names (buzkachi, kokpar, ulok...). Rules can also vary by country.

Kok-Boru remains the most popular sport in Kyrgyzstan today. It is played in teams of up to 12, with 4 players on the field at a time. Riders must grab from their mount a headless sheep or goat carcass, and gallop to place it in a goal. The team that scores the most points wins. The game is played in three 20-minute periods.

This sport, often reserved for men, showcases the agility and excellence of Kyrgyz riders with grace. Indeed, they must bend down to reach the animal placed on the ground, escape impressive melees of horses, outpace their opponents and throw the beast, a "ball" weighing more than 30 kilograms, into a tall goal. It often also includes wrestling between players and horses. The latter, by the way, are trained to push or bite other animals, and are just as respected as their riders.

Kok-Boru is played almost every week in villages, at celebrations, weddings, or sponsored by wealthy families. There are also national and world Kok-Boru tournaments. Much more than a sport, it is a nomadic way of life, embedded in the soul and culture of the Kyrgyz, who are very proud of it.

Until recently, this sport, emblem of nomadic culture, was played individually. Dozens, even hundreds of men would fight for the goat and face off to increase their personal score. Kok-Boru served to prepare horses and men for war, throughout the year. It was only in 1996 that Kyrgyzstan founded a Kok-Boru Federation and adopted rules to turn it into a team sport, playable on the international arena.

You may have the chance to attend a Kok-Boru match during your stay in Kyrgyzstan, in villages or at Son Kul Lake.

Kyz Kumay : who will be the best—man or woman ?

This intriguing game pits a woman and a man against each other, both on horseback. In the first part, the man must catch the woman. If he succeeds, he may kiss her. Then, it's time for revenge : the woman chases the man and can whip him if she catches him. This fast-paced game brings plenty of good humor at celebrations.

The classic archery

Nomadic peoples are experts in archery, whether on foot or on horseback. Moreover, Kyrgyzstan is known for having excellent women masters of this sport, some of whom shoot perfectly with their feet and at a gallop ! Don't miss the chance to see an archery demonstration.

Wrestling : a display of strength

Another sport very important to nomads, wrestling kept men fit in times of peace and tested their strength. There have been many forms of wrestling popular among the Kyrgyz for centuries. Written records of wrestling competitions can be found in ancient texts and epics.

Traditionally, the only rule is that a participant wins when their opponent is on the ground. There are very few rules and little referee intervention. There is no weight limitation either, and the contest ends with a single winner, the best.

A popular form of wrestling in Kyrgyzstan is « er enish », horseback wrestling. In fact, the horse was an integral part of the nomads' life, being their only means of transport for centuries, their tool for herding livestock, and their faithful companion. This explains why most sports have an equestrian version. One must then knock the opponent off the horse, so that at least part of their body touches the ground. It's a spectacular form of wrestling, often aggressive, where horses must be very sturdy themselves and perfectly obedient.

Tiyin Enmei : picking up coins

Here, young riders gallop to pick up coins placed on the ground. Today, these are often 20 and 50 som notes, but it depends on the generosity of the audience.

Tug of war

This childhood classic or family celebration game actually has its origins in nomadic culture. Tug of war is a team sport, a clan sport, that requires little equipment and can be played anywhere, at any time : ideal, then, for a people constantly on the move.

This sport makes it possible to know which of two teams or tribes is the strongest ; moreover, it's not just a display of physical strength, but also of strategy and cooperation.

Take advantage of your stay in the Son Kul pastures or at Tach Rabat to give it a try !

Ordo : knucklebones game

This is a game beloved by Kyrgyz nomadic children : ordo, a strategy and conquest game, is played with sheep knucklebones. It represents the « ordo », the Khan's seat, traced by a chalk circle on the ground, and the battle to seize it. It's a bit like a game of bowls. Here, you must throw the knucklebones to send the central piece, representing the Khan, outside the circle. The battle is then considered won.

Toguz Korgool : mancala the Kyrgyz way

No, the Kyrgyz don't entertain themselves only with games of strength and horses. One of their favorite pastimes is toguz korgool, a variant of mancala, a board game very well known in Asia. The goal of the game is to collect as many pieces as possible. Each player has nine wells, where nine pieces are placed – it is this number that gave the game its name, « toguz » meaning nine in the Kyrgyz language. Originally, this game was also practiced by armies and soldiers to develop their sense of military strategy.