THE RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT Mass Physical Culture аnd Sports Volume 14 No.1 2019

DOI 10.14526/2070-4798-2019-14-1-132-140

The most popular national sports and games of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Erkebulan Islyamov1, Zinaida M. Kuznetsova2* 1Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan [email protected] 2Ulyanov State Pedagogical University, Ulyanovsk, Russia ORCID: 0000-0002-5558-474X, [email protected]*

Abstract: Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the only organization which deals with the development of traditional sports, organizing of republican, international competitions in ethnosport games. The development of national games in the Republic of Kazakhstan started back in 1991. Since the independence of the country, the government always supports when it comes to national sports games. Methods. Scientific and scientific-methodical literature analysis and systematization, progressive pedagogical experience summarizing, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The Association includes over 15 federations of national sports games. Since 1996, the local athletes have been participated in various world national games, festivals and taken a significant number of medal places. Since 2013, international competitions in national sports have been conducted at the initiative of the Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “Samruk-Kazyna” National Welfare Fund” Joint Stock Company and “Samruk-Kazyna Trust” Development Fund of Social Projects render sponsorship on a regular basis at holding national sports games. In 2018, Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan membered to the World Ethnosport Confederation (Turkey). Conclusion. There are numerous types of national sports games played in Kazakhstan. Below, it is provided some short information about certain games common to the Turkic nations who live in the Central and Western Asia. For the last few years, Kazakhstan has organized a World Championship, Championships of Asia as well as several international tournaments and festivals for the following sports. Such games as Kokpar, Audaryspak, Tenge ilu, Zhamby atu, Falconry, Baiga, Asyk atu, Togyzkumalak and their rules are presented in the article. Key words: ethnosport games, traditional sports, winner, championship, tournaments.

For citation: Erkebulan Islyamov, Zinaida M. Kuznetsova. The most popular national sports and games of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Russian Journal of Physical Education and Sport. 2019; 14(1): 114-121. DOI 10.14526/2070-4798-2019-14-1-132-140

Introduction Republic of Kazakhstan announced its sovereignty The Republic of Kazakhstan is a country and was recognized as an independent country by located in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It has the world community. President of the Republic of access to Azerbaijan and Iran through the Caspian Kazakhstan – Nursultan Nazarbayev. Sea and the Black Sea through Volga and Volga-Don The capital of Kazakhstan is Astana city. The Canal. state language is Kazakh. Kazakhstan borders with five countries. In According to economic indicators, the the north and west, it borders with Russia, which national economy is considered as developing. The is considered the longest land border in the world, main economic direction is the primary production comprising 6,467 km. In the south, Kazakhstan in the field of fuel energy and agriculture. Currency borders with Turkmenistan – 380 km, Uzbekistan – is tenge. 2,300 km and Kyrgyzstan – 980 km, and in the east The population contains 18,157,078 people, with China – 1,460 km. The total length of its land 64th place in the world. Regarding the territory, it border reaches up to 13, 392.6 km. holds the 9th place (2,724,900 sq.km.). December 16, 1991, is the day when the Association of National Sports of the 114 THE RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT Volume 14 No.1 2019

Republic of Kazakhstan is the only organization games played in Kazakhstan. Below, it is provided which deals with the development of traditional some short information about certain games common sports, organizing of republican, international to the Turkic nations who live in the Central and competitions in ethnosport games. The development Western Asia. For the last few years, Kazakhstan has of national games in the Republic of Kazakhstan organized a World Championship, Championships started back in 1991. Since the independence of the of Asia as well as several international tournaments country, the government always supports when it and festivals for the following sports. comes to national sports games. The Association includes over 15 federations Kokpar is one of the horseback games of the of national sports games. Since 1996, the local Turkic people. In Asia, they call it “kokpar”, “kok- athletes have been participated in various world boruu”, “ulak-tartysh”, “ulak-kupkari”, “buzkashi”. national games, festivals and taken a significant Each nation has its own rules of kokpar. number of medal places. In ancient times traditional game kokpar was Since 2013, international competitions in formed due to need for protection from enemies, i.e. national sports have been conducted at the initiative in peacetime in terms of kokpar people improved of the Association of National Sports of the Republic men’s military skills. For example, during the war a of Kazakhstan. “Samruk-Kazyna” National Welfare man trained to play kokpar could save his wounded Fund” Joint Stock Company and “Samruk-Kazyna fellow picking him up at high speed. All horseracing Trust” Development Fund of Social Projects render games of the Asian people are aimed at mastering sponsorship on a regular basis at holding national courage, agility and speed of young men. sports games. The modern international rules of kokpar In 2018, Association of National Sports of require that a team has to consist of 12 players. 4 the Republic of Kazakhstan membered to the World players from each team can play at a time. During the Ethnosport Confederation (Turkey). game, depending on the need of the team, players in There are numerous types of national sports reserve could substitute the active participants.

Currently, kokpar is played on a specially the world festival of national games, which took equipped, 220 m long and 70 m wide field. Two place in Kecskemet, Hungary. teams try to make more salyms to their circle. The In 2012 teams from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan distance between the circles is 180m. and Turkey had an amicable meeting at the World The game has two half–times which last Kokpar Festival in Denizli, Turkey. for 20 minutes each. There is a 10-minute break In 2014 teams from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, between half–times. The team with a greater Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Mongolia and China participated number of salyms wins the game. in the amicable international meeting on kokpar in For the first time, the team kokpar was Ili-Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of the People’s demonstrated at an international level in 1996, at Republic of China. 115 THE RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT Mass Physical Culture аnd Sports Volume 14 No.1 2019

Kokpar teams among adults, youth and traditional audaryspak players compete in duel play teenagers were formed in Astana, Almaty and regardless their weight category. 14 regions of Kazakhstan. Republican kokpar Currently there are special rules of championships and tournaments are conducted audaryspak. Athletes are divided into weight according to the annual calendar plan approved by categories of 60, 70, 80, 90, +90 kg. One team shall the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of consist of 5 participants. The aim of inclusion of the Kazakhstan. weight category is to create equal conditions for all In 2018 Kokpar Championship of the participants. Republic of Kazakhstan among adults was held for At duel play players shall wear red and blue the 18th time, among youth for the 14th time and belts. Area of the circle is 15 m. Duel time – 5 min. teenagers for the 7th time. In case of draw score players are given additional International kokpar competitions: time. If players get no points during additional time, I Open Asian Championship – 2013 (Astana, a light-weighed participant is a winner. Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan, Audaryspak teams among adults, youth Turkey, Russia, China, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and teenagers were formed in Astana, Almaty and Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. 14 regions of Kazakhstan. Republican audaryspak Results: championships and tournaments are conducted I place – Kazakhstan, II place – Kyrgyzstan, according to the annual calendar plan approved by III place – Tajikistan. the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of I World Championship – 2017 (Astana, Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan, In 2018 Audaryspak Championship of the Turkey, USA, Hungary, Russia, China, Mongolia, Republic of Kazakhstan among adults was held for Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. the 18th time, among youth for the 9th time and Results: teenagers for the 7th time. I place – Kazakhstan, II place – Kyrgyzstan, International audaryspak competitions: III place – Tajikistan. I Open Asian Championship – 2014 (Astana, X International tournament – 2017 Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan, (Shymkent, Kazakhstan). Member countries – Turkey, Hungary, Russia, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, People’s Republic of China. Afganistan. Results: Results: I place – Kazakhstan, II place – Kazakhstan, I place – a team of the Republic of III place - People’s Republic of China. Kazakhstan. II Open Asian Championship – 2016 (Ili- Audaryspak is the game of the Asian people. Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of the People’s Uzbek, Tajiks, Kirghiz people call it “er alysh”, “er Republic of China). Member countries – Kazakhstan, enish”. Two horsemen try to low down each other. Russia, China, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Audaryspak is a national sport which requires Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. high endurance, strength, agility and courage. In

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Results: A national game tenge ilu has a centuries- I place - a team of the Republic of Kazakhstan. old history. In ancient times people played tenge I International Tournament – 2017 (Astana, ilu to develop strength, mastership and courage of Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan, warriors. It is a horseback sport game common to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Russia, Mongolia, the Turkic people. A horseman shall pick up coins in China, Hungary, Afghanistan. the bag and throw them. A participant who picked Results: more coins is a winner. I place - a team of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Currently tenge ilu is one the most beautiful III Open Asian Championship – 2018 and fascinating national sport games oriented at (Astana, Kazakhstan). Member countries – the development of mastership and speed, love to Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Mongolia, horses and the history. In 2007 special rules of tenge Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. ilu were composed. First tenge ilu competitions Results: among adults were held at the Championship of I place - a team of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan.

There are great athletes in Astana, Almaty Turkey, Russia, China, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and 14 regions of Kazakhstan who play tenge Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. ilu. Republican tenge ilu championships and Results: tournaments are conducted according to the annual I place - a team of the Republic of Kazakhstan. calendar plan approved by the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Zhamby atu is an ancient game of the Turkic In 2018 Tenge Ilu Championship of the people which tests shooting skills and agility of Republic of Kazakhstan among adults was held for young men. There were several types of zhamby the 18th time, among youth for the 11th time and atu. The most famous was tai-tuyak zhamby atu teenagers for the 7th time. (shooting at an ingot as large as colt hoof). Zhamby atu competitions are conducted on even field with International tenge ilu competitions: the area of 300m. An ingot is placed on post at І Open Asian Championship – 2015 (Astana, height of 3-4 meters at the distance of 100 m from Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan, start. Turkey, Russia, China, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Players will shoot at speed. There were other Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. types of zhamby atu: aikabak, fire a gun or shooting Results: at several targets placed in line. I place - a team of the Republic of Kazakhstan. ІІ Open Asian Championship – 2018 (Astana, Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan,

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Modern rules provide various methods of I place – Romania, II place – Kazakhstan, shooting at target. Athletes stand in line and quickly III place – Kazakhstan, IV place – Hungary, V place shoot at target at the distance of 10 m and height of – Turkey. 1.5m, within 10 s they should hit a target as many “Altyn Zhebe” II International Tournament times as possible. A participant with more points is – as held on August 29, 2018 (Astana, Kazakhstan). a winner. Falconry. Asian people treat a golden eagle Second method provides for that athletes as a symbol of courage, strength, freedom and according to the order set after a drawing procedure strong spirit. The image of the golden eagle on the following a judge’s order will ride on special flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan will be the symbol path. Path length is 150 m approx. They shoot at of liberty, independence, distinction, and courage. three targets at the distance of 10 m, height – 1.5 Kazakh people always treated a golden eagle as a m, distance between targets is 30-35m. Athletes smart and saint bird. get points due to their shooting skills and riding Falconry is the art common to Kazakh, speed. Third method – shooting at three stable Kyrgyz and Mongolian people. According to historic targets at the distance of 7, 10, 12 m, height – 3 m, data, it’s been 3,000 years since humans manned distance between targets – 30-35m. The number of golden eagles and had been using it in hunting. attempts is determined before competitions and all Marco Polo, an Italian wandered, recorded that he participants have equal opportunities. saw 500 golden eagles and other hunting birds in There are athletes in Astana, Almaty Asia. and 14 regions of Kazakhstan who play zhamby The Kazakh people are using eagles, hawks, atu. Republican zhamby atu championships and falcons, white hawks and sparrow hawks. There tournaments are conducted according to the annual were many famous hawkers in ancient time. calendar plan approved by the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2018 Zhamby Atu Championship of the Republic of Kazakhstan among adults was held for the 4th time, among youth for the 4th time and teenagers for the 4th time. International zhamby atu competitions: “Altyn Zhebe” I International Tournament – 2017 (Astana, Kazakhstan). Member countries – Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, China, Mongolia, “Kyran-Burkit” Federation was founded in 2004 as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, a part of the Association of National Sports of the , Romania, Poland, Malaysia, Hungary. Republic of Kazakhstan. The number of hawkers Results: increases annually. 118 THE RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT Volume 14 No.1 2019

Falconry competitions are held to test the mastership for the 12th time. of calling eagles, hawks, and falcons to hand from In 2013 World Falconry Festival and I Asian long distance and bait (moulage) hunting. Winners Falconry Championship which involved athletes are determined after hunting to real fox and rabbit from several Asian countries were held in the and chasing pigeons. Such competitions usually Republic of Kazakhstan. involve over forty hawkers. Alaman baiga is one of the loveliest national Republican falconry championship and republican games of the Asian people. Alaman baiga is a horse tournaments “Salburyn”, “Sayat”, “Kansonar”, race to long distance. Horse race always has been a “Sonar” are held according to the annual calendar spectacular game at different celebrations. plan approved by the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In 2018 republican falconry championship was held

In ancient times alaman baiga competitions were different distances were held involving athletes held to very long distances. According to ancient from several Asian countries. records, the distance for race reached 70-80 km. In 2017 international horse races for the Cup of Alaman baiga competitions were conducted in President Nursultan Nazarbayev took place for the one direction on off-the-road. They usually chose 18th time. children at the age of 6-13 years for long distances. Baiga and alaman baiga are valuable national Currently horses, taking care of them and watching sports which educate endurance, courage, and horse races have a huge interest. Nowadays the inventiveness. There are all opportunities in longest distance on horse race comprises 51 km. Kazakhstan for comprehensive development of this republican horse races to 51 km distance named type of sport. Special pedigreed horse raising plants “Altyn tulpar” were held for the fourth time in 2017. work in the republic. “Altyn tulpar” is the biggest republican tournament Asyk atu is an ancient national game. Many Turkic in long-distance horse race on spinning road. people are keen on this game. Every nation has its A distance for annual alaman baiga competitions is own specifications of the asyk atu. Turkmen, Tajik, 25 km. Holding of horse races on holidays to 20, 16, Uzbek people call is “ashyk”; the Kyrgyz call it 7 km has become a traditional event in all regions of “ordo”. the republic. In the Republic of Kazakhstan horse races to

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Asyk is a sheep knee bone. As the household winners of Championship of RK for the first time activity of the Turkic people is related to the were awarded the title “International Level Master agriculture, national games are also connected with of Sport”. it. Many national games provide for the availability In 2006 togyzkumalak for the first time of natural staff. was included in the program of The Mind Sports Asyk atu is one of the ancient games. This in and in 2008 and 2009 to game allows improving the nervous system and the program of the World instilling accuracy, agility, and moderation in in Czech. In 2008 International Togyzkumalak children. Federation was founded; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, There are great teams in Astana, Almaty Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Russian Federation and and 14 regions of Kazakhstan who play asyk China became members of this Federation. atu. Republican asyk atu championships and I Championship of Asia in Togyzkumalak tournaments are conducted according to the annual was arranged in Shymkent of the Republic of calendar plan approved by the Ministry of Culture Kazakhstan in 2009. In 2010 I World Togyzkumalak and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan according Championship was held for the first time in Astana. to the rules of asyk atu. 43 athletes from 19 countries, including 25 men, 18 In 2018 Asyk Atu Championship of the women, participated in the World Championship. Republic of Kazakhstan among adults was held for In 2012 II World Togyzkumalak Championship took the 4th time, among youth for the 4th time and place in Pardubice (Czech). teenagers for the 4th time. 47 athletes from 10 countries participated In 2018 in Astana, they held “Altyn saka” at II World Championship (Germany, USA, Russia, international tournament for the 10th time. This Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, event involved teams from Russia, Uzbekistan, Czech, and Kazakhstan). III World Championship Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. was held in 2015 in Almaty. In 2017 IV World Togyzkumalak is one of the most well- Togyzkumalak Championship was held in Astana. formed highly respectful sports. This sport is an ancient spiritual logical thinking art of the Turkic References people equivalent to major cultural forms. According 1. Ildarkhanov I.G. My rodom iz “Kuresh” to research data the history of togyzkumalak covers [We came from “Kuresh”]. Kazan: Gasyr. 2003: 42. over 4,000 years. In ancient times togyzkumalak 2. Kashgariy M. Devonu lugatit turk. Fan was very popular. Nashrieti. 1960; 1: 344. Togyzkumalak involves two persons and 3. Kim-Kimen A.N. Kuznetsova Z.M. requires a special play board. A play board includes Ancestors’ traditions development to the glory 2 kazans, 18 pits and 162 balls. At the beginning of Yakut sport. Pedagogiko-psikhologicheskie each player is provided one kazan and 9 pits which i medico-biologicheskie problem fizicheskoy includes 9 balls, in total each player has 81 balls. kultury i sporta = The Russian Journal of Physical A player who makes first move is called a leading Education and Sport. 2018; 13(2): 143-148. DOI player and a player making responsive move is a 10.14526/02_2018_319 (In Russ., In Engl.). supportive. Sometimes they are named as “white 4. Kuznetsov A.S., Mulyukova I.V. Waist- side” and “black side”, accordingly. belt wrestling as a national and international kind Individual championship of the Republic of sport. Pedagogiko-psikhologicheskie i medico- of Kazakhstan among men and women has been biologicheskie problem fizicheskoy kultury i sporta conducted since 1991. International competition for = The Russian Journal of Physical Education and the prize of President of RK Nursultan Nazarbayev Sport. 2018; 13(3): 33-38. DOI 10.14526/2070- has been existing since 1997. These competitions 4798-2018-13-3-41-49 (In Russ., In Engl.). involve athletes from Mongolia, Russian Federation, 5. Kuznetsov A., Mutaeva I., Kuznetsova Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In 1999 three-fold Z., 2017. Diagnostics of Functional State and 120 THE RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT Volume 14 No.1 2019

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Author’s information: Islyamov Erkebulan - Manager, Association of National Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Republic Ave., House 34a, e-mail: [email protected] Zinaida M. Kuznetsova * - Doctor of Pedagogics, Professor, Ulyanov State Pedagogical University, Ulyanovsk, Russia, the 100 Anniversary of V.I. Lenin’s Birth Square, House 4, 432700,, e-mail: [email protected]*

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