What are the World Nomad Games and why are Australians competing?
The World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan are attracting younger generations and countries in the West to rediscover their past through ancient sports.
The World Nomad Games, launched in 2014, showcase traditional sports and cultures of Central Asia's nomadic peoples. The competition, held from August 31 to September 6 in Kyrgyzstan, features 43 events across 100 countries. For Australians, the Games offer a unique opportunity to compete in horseback archery, a sport that has been part of Kyrgyz culture for centuries.
The games aren't just about entertainment; they also serve political and economic purposes for Kyrgyzstan, a country that has struggled to build its national identity and economy since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The Games have become a diplomatic stage, hosting delegates from several countries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek.
Kyrgyz archer Asel Sadyrova believes these sports promote aspirations for girls today, building strength and confidence while preserving historical traditions.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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