Kazakhstan’s national kokpar team prepares for World Nomad Games

Kazakhstan's national kokpar team is intensively training in the Almaty region ahead of the fifth World Nomad Games. Athletes have been honing their skills for the second month. 12 riders in two teams competing in kokpar and kok boru will represent Kazakhstan at the games. It is worth reminding that the gates in kokpar is a circle drawn on the ground, while in kok boru, it is a kazandyk (cauldron). The final training camp will take place in the Kazakh capital.

«We hope to secure victory in kokpar. We are currently having another training camp, where we will focus on working with the horses,» said Akylbai Mankeyev, head coach of the team.

«The two types differ from each other by the number of halves. Kok boru has three halves, while kokpar has two. We can play each of them, whether it’s the circle or the cauldron. The horses and the team are in very good shape,» shared Nauryzbai Kaltayev, member of the team.

«Our team’s goal is to become the best players, win the championship title, and, of course, meet the expectations of Kazakh people and the country,» added another member Yeldar Zharylkap.

Notably, the fifth World Nomad Games, featuring around 2,000 participants, will take place in Astana. A total of 97 medal sets will be contested across 21 sports.