The World Nomad Games is like nothing else—a celebration of Central Asia’s ancient sports and cultural heritage. Earlier in September, I traveled to Astana, Kazakhstan, to experience it for myself.
In this episode, we explore how archery, horseback wrestling, and other events are more than sports—they’re echoes of a 5,000-year-old culture built on survival and resilience. From galloping archers shooting at full speed to mas wrestlers, every event showcases the ingenuity and toughness of the nomadic way of life. I’ll also dive into how these games connect to ancient warfare, from the invention of stirrups to the roots of Kokpar—a brutal sport born from wolf hunting on the open steppe.
0:00 - Intro: Warrior Games of the Steppe
1:12 - Archery
2:50 - Horseback Archery
4:01 - Powerful Nomad, Mas Wrestling, Asyk Atu
5:02 - Kokpar... Dead Goat Polo
6:40 - Why Dead Goats? The Origins of Kokpar
8:37 - Clash of Titans: Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 vs. Kyrgyzstan🇰🇬
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WHO AM I?
I’m Ricky Qi, a filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer. For over a decade, I’ve documented the stories of cultures adapting to a rapidly changing world. Now, I’m sharing these journeys with you—bringing the past and present together through the lens of tradition and heritage.
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