WNG are becoming comparable to Olympics and FIFA World Cup — Cabinet Chief –

Kyrgyzstan has officially handed over the host duties for the World Nomad Games to Russia. The seventh Games will be held in Tatarstan in 2028.

The handover ceremony took place on September 6 in Cholpon-Ata during the closing ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games.

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev handed the Russian side one of the Games’ symbols — a suu-kookor, a traditional Kyrgyz leather vessel containing water collected from all regions of the country.

The symbolic baton was received by Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev and Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Kyrgyzstan for the high level of organization of the VI World Nomad Games. He said Tatarstan intends to draw on Kyrgyzstan’s experience in preparing for the next Games and seek advice from the organizers.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Adylbek Kasymaliev said that over the past 12 years, the World Nomad Games had evolved into an international cultural and sporting movement.

He recalled that the first Games were held in Issyk-Kul region, followed by Turkey and Kazakhstan as host countries. In 2026, the Games returned to Kyrgyzstan on a larger scale, bringing together representatives from more than 100 countries.

«The World Nomad Games are gradually becoming a major sporting event comparable to the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, eagerly anticipated by people around the world,» the Cabinet Chief said.

According to him, the Games have become not only a sporting event but also a major cultural and intellectual platform. During the World Nomad Games, the Kyrchyn Gorge was transformed into a venue showcasing the culture, traditions and way of life of nomadic peoples. Scientists from different countries also discussed the history, statehood, languages, culture and worldview of nomadic civilization.

Kasymaliev noted that the VI World Nomad Games were held in the year marking the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence and, in his assessment, demonstrated the country’s potential.

He congratulated the athletes, winners and medalists, describing the successful organization of the Games as a shared victory for the people of Kyrgyzstan, the participants and guests of the World Nomad Games.

The VI World Nomad Games were held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6. The opening ceremony took place at Bishkek Arena, while the main competitions were held in Issyk-Kul region.