Host nation Kazakhstan has claimed victory at the World Kokpar Tournament, held in the city of Turkestan from March 15 to 21. Uzbekistan secured second place, followed by Afghanistan in third.
The intense, week-long event brought together approximately 150 athletes from 10 countries, including Türkiye, Mongolia, China, Russia, and Hungary. Kokpar is a traditional and highly physical equestrian sport where players on horseback battle to secure a goatskin and carry it into the opposing team’s goal.
Organized by the World Kokpar Union and supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the tournament aims to preserve and globally promote the sport. Kokpar is recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is celebrated as a vital shared tradition among Turkic nations. Alongside the fierce competition, the event featured various cultural exhibitions and promotional activities.