In an increasingly interconnected world, the power of cultural diplomacy cannot be underestimated. As global citizens, we all play a role in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. Nations are finding innovative ways to showcase their identity, values, and traditions on the global stage, and one of the most powerful tools for this type of diplomacy is sports. Next month, all eyes will be on Kazakhstan for the World Nomad Games.
By Sergey Tsyrulnikov | Special to The Liberum
The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang saw North and South Korean athletes march together under a unified flag. The 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa helped unite a nation emerging from the apartheid era.
In September, Kazakhstan will host the World Nomad Games, an event that epitomises the strength of cultural diplomacy and its role in promoting global solidarity. The Games, taking place from September 8 to 13 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, celebrate the nomadic heritage that has shaped the identity of many nations in Central Asia.
The Games will see participation from around 2,500 athletes representing over 85 countries who will compete in traditional sports that have been passed down through generations. These sports, deeply rooted in the history and culture of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia, offer a unique and intriguing glimpse into the traditions that have shaped these societies.
From kokpar, where horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat carcass in a goal, to horse archery and wrestling, the World Nomad Games promise a cultural experience like no other.
For Kazakhstan, hosting the World Nomad Games for the first time is a significant privilege. It is a golden opportunity to present our rich cultural heritage to the world and to invite people from all corners of the globe to experience the warmth and hospitality of our nation.
The Games will also serve as a reminder that, while we may come from different backgrounds, we share a common human spirit—a spirit that is celebrated through the universal language of sports. Visitors to the World Nomad Games will not only witness the power of sports diplomacy but also have the opportunity to explore Kazakhstan, a country that remains largely an unexplored gem, and experience its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
In today’s world, where global tensions are all too common, the World Nomad Games can provide an invaluable opportunity for people with various cultural roots to come together. While sports diplomacy alone cannot solve the world's complex geopolitical challenges, events like these can promote the celebration of cultures, which in turn can build bridges between peoples and societies.
The power of sports to transcend national boundaries has been evident throughout history. Most recently, the Paris Olympics is a testament to this unifying power. Athletes from different countries competed fiercely, yet the event was also a celebration of diversity and mutual respect.
Like the Olympics, the World Nomad Games will also promote unity through sports by offering a platform for cultural exchange, where athletes and spectators alike can learn about each other’s traditions and values.
One of the key lessons I have learned throughout my career is the importance of balancing patriotism with global citizenship. As proud as I am of my Kazakh heritage, I also recognise the importance of being a global citizen—someone committed to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation across borders.
The World Nomad Games exemplify this balance. While they celebrate the nomadic heritage central to Kazakhstan’s identity, they are also an invitation to the world to come together in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.
When rooted in a genuine love for one’s country and its people, patriotism can be a powerful force for good. It can inspire us to give back to our communities and promote our nation’s values on the global stage.
For example, during natural disasters, patriotic citizens often rally together to support relief efforts, helping fellow citizens in need. However, it is essential that we also recognise our shared responsibility as global citizens.
Cultural diplomacy will continue to play an increasingly vital role in fostering global unity. Events like the World Nomad Games demonstrate how cultural and athletic exchanges can transcend political and social barriers in a divided world.
Earlier this year, I was honoured to represent Kazakhstan on the global stage in the United States TV show “America's Got Talent.” This incredible experience allowed me to showcase my strength and share a piece of Kazakhstan’s culture with the world. The audience’s reaction was overwhelming, reinforcing the decisive role of sports in connecting people across cultures.
Just as the people of the United States welcomed me, I now look forward to the world joining us in celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of our nomadic heritage at the World Nomad Games this September. This event is an opportunity to highlight the values that bind us as a global community, reinforcing how sports can unite us where other means may fall short.
Sergey Tsyrulnikov is a Kazakh strongman, a Guinness World Record holder, and a Goodwill Ambassador. He proudly follows the esteemed tradition of Kazakh legends, strongmen Baluan Sholak and Kazhymukan Munaitpasov.
Info about kokpar and Hungary and Flow:
https://youtu.be/Zd1K1J2f2Rc?si=2tIG2tuIkUmbiVYG
Dr. Zoltán Buzády
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S1lZh2WpFbK52lb1BEjS-ptkawKo7FzXE5yWv8_S0yg/edit?usp=drivesdk