President Tokayev Officially Opens V World Nomad Games in Astana
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially declared the V World Nomad Games open during a grand ceremony held at the Astana Arena stadium, marking the start of the prestigious event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of nomadic civilizations. The ceremony attracted tens of thousands of spectators and featured over 2,500 athletes and guests from 89 countries, according to NHC reports.
“Welcome to the fifth World Nomad Games! I extend my deep gratitude to the heads of fraternal states, honored guests, and athletes,” said President Tokayev in his address. “Nomadic civilization has left an indelible mark on world history. The nomads of the Great Steppe have inhabited Eurasia since ancient times, and with their innovative technologies, they contributed to global progress.”
President Tokayev highlighted the significant contributions of nomads, including the domestication of the horse and the development of equestrian culture, as well as the craftsmanship that produced advanced weapons and magnificent jewelry. He referred to the “golden people” of the Saka period as a vivid example of the region’s rich history, and noted that the Kazakh land produced renowned figures like al-Farabi and Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, who made major contributions to science and humanism.
“Nomads acted as a bridge between West and East, fostering the connection of different cultures. At various times, the empires of the Huns, the Turkic Khaganates, the Golden Horde, and the Kazakh Khanate flourished in these vast spaces,” Tokayev added.
The opening ceremony, attended by leaders and dignitaries from across the region, showcased a large-scale performance celebrating the national and cultural heritage of nomadic nations. About 3,000 participants, including artists and creative groups from Kazakhstan, took part in the event.
Among the notable guests were President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Sakha Republic Aisen Nikolayev, and former Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar.
International organizations were also well-represented, with attendance from Bilal Erdogan, President of the World Ethnosport Confederation, and officials from UNESCO, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the UN World Tourism Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, and other global and regional bodies.
The V World Nomad Games aims to strengthen cultural exchange and celebrate the nomadic traditions that have shaped civilizations across Eurasia. The event will continue over the coming days, featuring competitions in traditional sports, as well as exhibitions and performances that highlight the unity of nomadic peoples.
