The first-ever World Nomad Games took place in Kyrgyzstan, September 9-14. In horse wrestling (pictured), two opponents try to pull each other off their mounts. Kyrgyzstan took home the gold medal in the event.
First World Nomad Games —
The first-ever World Nomad Games took place in Kyrgyzstan, September 9-14. In horse wrestling (pictured), two opponents try to pull each other off their mounts. Kyrgyzstan took home the gold medal in the event.
Jonny Duncan
Demonstrations of eagle hunting were popular, with the huge birds of prey soaring close to spectators. Few true nomads exist today. Many spectators came from towns and cities to relive old ways in a display for older generations and curious young.
Eagle hunting —
Demonstrations of eagle hunting were popular, with the huge birds of prey soaring close to spectators. Few true nomads exist today. Many spectators came from towns and cities to relive old ways in a display for older generations and curious young.
Jonny Duncan
Stuntmen on horses reenacted battles. Some riders were set on fire for effect.
Battle recreation —
Stuntmen on horses reenacted battles. Some riders were set on fire for effect.
Jonny Duncan
Kok boru was perhaps the most brutal -- and popular -- event. Two teams of men on horses attempt to send the carcass of a headless goat into their opponent's goal.
Headless goats —
Kok boru was perhaps the most brutal -- and popular -- event. Two teams of men on horses attempt to send the carcass of a headless goat into their opponent's goal.
Jonny Duncan
Host country Kyrgyzstan placed two teams in kok boru competition. Both met in the finals.
Kyrgyzstan vs. Kyrgyzstan —
Host country Kyrgyzstan placed two teams in kok boru competition. Both met in the finals.
Jonny Duncan
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan dominated the games. Kyrgyzstan won seven of the ten events. Kazakhstan won the rest.
The winners —
Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan dominated the games. Kyrgyzstan won seven of the ten events. Kazakhstan won the rest.
Jonny Duncan
Many spectators stayed in a temporary town with 150 yurts.
Pop-up yurt town —
Many spectators stayed in a temporary town with 150 yurts.
Jonny Duncan
A U.S. Peace Corps volunteer plays toguz korgool, in which two players compete by counting and re-distributing stones into sockets on a board.
Nomad board game —
A U.S. Peace Corps volunteer plays toguz korgool, in which two players compete by counting and re-distributing stones into sockets on a board.
Jonny Duncan
Kyrgyz food, music and fashion were a part of the concurrent Nomad Folk Festival.
Passing on traditions —
Kyrgyz food, music and fashion were a part of the concurrent Nomad Folk Festival.
Jonny Duncan
Kyrgyz dressed in traditional attire and rode horses, reenacting the lives of nomadic people.
Reliving the past —
Kyrgyz dressed in traditional attire and rode horses, reenacting the lives of nomadic people.
Jonny Duncan