Al Gannas Qatari Society which represented the State of Qatar in the second edition of the World Nomad Games in 2016.
DOHA: Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Nuran Niyazaliev, has invited State of Qatar and Qatari citizens and sports organisations to take part in the third edition of the World Nomad Games to be held in Kyrgyzstan in September this year.
Talking about World Nomad Games, the ambassador said that there are many nations on the planet that practiced nomadic style of life in their past. “Some of them, in fact, still continue the same lifestyle with minor adaptation to contemporary world. Undoubtedly, they have very rich and unique traditions, customs, culture, and of course - national games. It is important to introduce the richness and uniqueness of nomadic civilization to the international community.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to Qatar, Nuran Niyazaliev. Pic: Qassim Rahmatullah / The Peninsula
He said that was the reason the Kyrgyz Republic had initiated the World Nomad Games in 2012 as an analogue of Olympic, Winter, Asian and Paralympic Games. “The main idea behind the initiative is to show the history of nomad nations, their traditions, lifestyles and culture. This idea was supported by many countries and the First World Nomad Games took place on the shores of beautiful Lake Issyk-Kul in September 2014 with participation of over 400 athletes from 19 countries.”
He said that it was very successful and unforgettable event, so many called for holding it again. “Therefore, the Second World Nomad Games were organised exactly two years later in August 2016, in which 1200 athletes from 62 countries took part. Now we are preparing for the Third World Nomad Games. I should underline that this event is unique place for intercultural and interconfessional dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation for peace, friendship and harmony.”
To a question about kind of games or disciplines included in the program of the World Nomad Games, he said that every year, the number of participating countries increases and, accordingly, the types of sports increased.
Mountains and plains of Kyrgyzstan.
“For example, in the first World Nomad Games, there were competitions on 10 kinds of sports, and participants of the Second Nomad Games already competed in 23 kinds of ethnosport. It is planned that in the third edition of the World Nomad Games there will be 37 kinds of ethnosport.”
The sport, he said, include for example, wrestling, archery, Kok Boru, At Chabysh, Salbuurun, Er Enish, Ordo, Kyz Kuumai and others. “The title of the games may sound unfamiliar, but they have very simple, easy understanding rules and well-known to many nomadic nations. For example, At Chabysh means horse race, Salbuurun based on falcon hunting, dog hunting, archery on horseback, Kok Boru also known as Buzkashi, where riders fight for a goat carcass.”
When asked when the third edition of the World Nomad Games will be held, the ambassador replied: “The preparations for the Third World Nomad Games are in full swing now. This spectacular and entertaining grand event again will be held on the shores of the Issyk-Kul Lake from September 2 to 8 2018. It is expected that this time around 3000 athletes and competitors from 80 countries will participate in the Games. We hope it will give powerful impetus to rebirth of original national sports, spiritual self-awareness and historical memory of nomad nations of the world.”
When asked whether Qatari people could participate or attend the Third World Nomad Games, he said, “Yes, of course.”
He said that he had met with Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Bin Hassen Al-Hammadi, and officially invited the State of Qatar and its people to participate in the Third World Nomad Games.
One of the performers.
“One of the similarities of the Kyrgyz and Qatari people is that both belong to the nomadic civilization. The Kyrgyz people as Bedouins used to move from one place to another according to the season of year and migration of livestock. We have also similar traditions, like horse race, falcon hunting, dog hunting or salooki, camel racing, etc. I met with Al-Gannas Society of Qatar and invited their representatives to show their traditions and games during the World Nomad Games.”
He invited the Qatari sports authorities and athletes to attend the Games in September. He said that citizens of the State of Qatar could visit the Kyrgyz Republic without visa, since Kyrgyz government we introduced a visa free regime for them.
The ambassador said that during the Third World Nomad Games the biggest ethno-village in the world “The Universe of Nomads” would be set up in picturesque valley deep in magnificent mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
“Many countries can construct their temporary yurts or tents and display national traditions, art, folklore, cuisine, songs and dances as well as tourism opportunities. That is why I invite Qatar Tourism Authority to establish a Bedouin Tent to attract more tourists from Central Asia to Qatar.”
