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Kazakhstan – Founding Member of ICTSG Overview At UNESCO’s 4th Collective Consultation Meeting on Traditional Sports and Games (TSG), held on 13–14 August 2018 in Istanbul, Kazakhstan was represented by Mukhamejan Tazabek, Rakat Zhaksybay, Bakyt Kornokboya, and Bekbolat Tiluekhan on behalf of the Kazakhstan Ethnosports Association. Their delegate presence affirmed commitment to preserving Kazakh ethnosports on the global stage. Delegation & Signing

Mukhamejan Tazabek – Kazakhstan Ethnosports Association (official delegate/signatory) Rakat Zhaksybay Bakyt Kornokboya Bekbolat Tiluekhan

Kazakhstan’s delegation formally signed the ICTSG founding Charter/Statutes in Istanbul, ensuring Kazakh ethnosports gain visibility as part of UNESCO-backed global heritage. Geographic & Cultural Significance Spanning the steppe and mountain regions of Central Asia, Kazakhstan’s nomadic traditions are deeply woven into its culture. Equestrian heritage and community-based sport form the foundation of Kazakh ethnosports, shaping national identity and rural lifeways. Traditional & Indigenous Sports in Kazakhstan

Kokpar: Fierce equestrian game where riders battle over a goat carcass—Kazakhstan’s most iconic ethnosport :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Baiga: Endurance horse racing covering 5–100 km, rooted in nomadic heritage :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Kazaksha kures: Upright traditional wrestling showcasing strength during festivals :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Audaryspak: Horseback wrestling where participants attempt to unseat opponents :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Kyz kuu: "Catch the girl" horse chase embodying culturally symbolic play :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. Togyzkumalak: Ancient mancala-style strategy board game, UNESCO‑recognized :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Assyk games: Sheep-bone throwing contests for dexterity and social interaction :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Kazakhstan’s Role in ICTSG Formation By signing the founding charter, Kazakhstan affirmed its commitment to global ethnosports collaboration. The delegation engaged in UNESCO’s TSG dialogue, bringing central Asian traditions into the international cultural heritage narrative. Weather & Climate Conditions Kazakhstan’s continental climate—cold winters and hot summers—determines seasonal scheduling for traditional events. Summer months support outdoor Kokpar, Baiga, and Cossack wrestling, while indoor venues preserve board games like Togyzkumalak during colder months. UN SDG Alignment Kazakhstan’s ethnosports contribute to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 3 – Good Health & Well‑Being: Promoting physical fitness and community unity through traditional horse and combat sports. SDG 4 – Quality Education: Integrating ethnosport heritage into school programs and cultural education. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities: Revitalizing nomadic culture via public festivals and regional heritage events. SDG 17 – Partnerships: Advancing cross-border collaboration within the World Nomad Games and ICTSG network.

Historical Legacy & Cultural Vision Rooted in nomadic survival and tribal traditions, Kazakhstan’s ethnosports—Kokpar, Baiga, Kyz kuu—shape communal bonds and foster seasonal celebration. Inclusion in ICTSG enables preservation, formal documentation, and training of future generations to carry forward this rich cultural legacy. Call to Action Join Kazakhstan’s mission to safeguard its ethnosports heritage. Volunteer, sponsor, or participate in local events so Kokpar, Togyzkumalak, Kyz kuu, and more continue to inspire future generations. Get Involved   Benefits of Joining   Support ICTSG

About ICTSG: The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games as powerful tools for education, peace, and sustainable development.

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