More and more women in Kazakhstan play the Kazakh national game kokpar along with men. One of them is a resident of Almaty region Yeva Zhigalina. She has been fond of horse riding since 6, and has started to participate in the kokpar from the age of 15. Now she is one of the most active players in Karasai and Zhambyl regions.
“Horses are my life. I feel comfortable playing the kokpar. I feel stronger and more confident when I get on a horse,” Zhigalina said.
Also, Yeva breeds various horses for participation in the kokpar and baiga. She finds suitable horses with her husband in Russia, Europe and Asia. Now there are more than a dozen thoroughbred horses in the breeder’s stable.
“When I first met her, she was already participating in the kokpar. It is her favorite hobby, so to speak. The men with whom she plays the Kazakh national game together do not mind, but rather support her. She loves horses,” noted horse breeder Samat Zhumagaliyev.
The hobby gave Yeva the opportunity to take part in the Kazakh cinema. She played the role of a warrior in the acclaimed film ‘Tomiris’. In the future, she plans to establish her own professional horse riding school.
Translation by Saniya Sakenova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
