Horseback Wrestling Goes Viral

A traditional form of wrestling – on horseback – went viral at the sixth World Nomad Games, taking place in the Issyk-Kul region on Wednesday.

Footage shows athletes stripped to the waist and grappling, attempting to unseat each other – in the Kyrgyz discipline known as ‘Er Enish’.

Kazakhstan Riders Take Gold

A total of three sets of medals were awarded that day. In the up to 60- and 70-kilogram categories, the gold medals were won by athletes from Kazakhstan, while the gold medal in the up to 80-kilogram category was won by a rider from Kyrgyzstan. Russian riders won two bronze medals.

Riders Battle From Horseback

The strength of both the rider and their horse play a key role in this discipline, and competitions take place in a flat, circular arena. To win, a competitor must pull their opponent off the horse so that any part of their body touches the ground.

World Nomad Games Continue

The sixth World Nomad Games will run from August 31 to September 6. The opening ceremony will be held at Bishkek Arena, while the main programme will take place in the Issyk-Kul region. The closing ceremony is scheduled for September 6 on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Around 3,000 athletes are expected to take part, with representatives from more than 100 countries having confirmed participation. The programme includes traditional sports such as kok-boru, wrestling, archery and hunting with birds of prey.

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