ASTANA – The Kazakh team clinched gold medals in three weight categories in audaryspak, a traditional horseback wrestling sport, on the first day of the fifth World Nomad Games.
Photo credit: World Nomad Games
In the 60-kilogram category, Yermek Kuralbay defeated Zheksenbek Turdibekov from the Kyrgyz Republic. A Mongolian athlete claimed third place, while Almas Kamaldinov from Russia secured fourth. In the 70-kilogram category, Kazakh wrestler Almat Latipbek won against a competitor from the Kyrgyz Republic. An athlete from Uzbekistan took third, and Mongolia secured fourth. Daryn Otkelbay brought home another gold for Kazakhstan in the 80-kilogram category, overcoming a wrestler from Uzbekistan. The Kyrgyz Republic took third place, while Russia placed fourth.
Zhanbatyr Bekmusayev, the head coach of the national audaryspak team, hailed the victories as a significant achievement, noting that the wrestlers had defended the honor of their country by taking first place. The team is optimistic about further success in the upcoming competitions.
First-day impressions at the WNG
Kuralai Aypbergenova, a spectator from the Kyzylorda Region, was deeply moved by the award ceremony, where three Kazakh flags were raised in honor of the champions.
“It is an honor to witness our athletes’ achievements. The Kazakh people are immensely proud of our sportsmen, who delivered an exceptional performance. Watching the competition, I felt a deep sense of pride and excitement. Strength and stability in the saddle, along with control of the horse, are crucial while attempting to unseat the opponent,” she said.
Krisztian Kovacs-Pataki, an archer from Hugarian team. Photo credit: The Astana Times
Krisztian Kovacs-Pataki, a representative of the Hungarian team, attended the award ceremony and congratulated the Kazakh people on their significant achievements. Participating in the World Nomad Games for the first time, he shared his impressions of the event.
“This is my first time in Kazakhstan and at the games, and I am truly impressed. Everything is so beautiful—the city, the buildings, everything is full of lights,” he said.
He mentioned that he was one of six archers who qualified through an event organized by the Hungarian Archery Association to compete here.
Two Hungarian archers, Koczka Laszlo and Koreny Janka Judit, earned second and third places, respectively, in the traditional archery Puta style.
“We are overwhelmed with emotion and so proud of them. Being on the podium is a huge achievement, regardless of the place. There’s a lot of hard work and practice behind this, and now, the results are here,” said Kovacs-Pataki.
Andrew O’Donnghaile, an Irish athlete competing in zhamby atu, echoed Kovacs-Pataki’s admiration for the event.
“It’s an amazing event where you can experience a wide variety of sports and cultural elements,” he said.
Andrew O’Donnghaile, an Irish athlete competing in zhamby atu. Photo credit: The Astana Times
O’Donnghaile, who is the sole representative of this sport from Ireland, also reflected on his participation.
“This is the second day of competition. We have had two days already, and two more to go. It has been alright so far—not my best, but not my worst. I am looking forward to the next two styles, which are quite different and challenging. I have only done the Kazakh style once or twice, so it will be a challenge, but I am always ready for anything,” he said.
O’Donnghaile started archery ten years ago, a sport that is still relatively unknown in Ireland, though it’s gradually gaining popularity.
“I’m a medieval historian, so I was already familiar with the concept of archery. I just had to find others practicing it today, which wasn’t too difficult. There were a few people in the UK, so I started there and continued. I’ve trained with coaches in other countries and practiced a lot independently. I also have a background in other competitive sports, like distance running, so I know how to train and be an athlete. I use those transferable skills in archery,” said O’Donnghaile.
Discussing the Kazakh capital, O’Donnghaile mentioned that he has not had much time to explore it yet but plans to do so.
“The city seems really nice, and the opening ceremony of the WNG exceeded my expectations. I have a few more free days before I leave, so I am looking forward to exploring and taking it all in,” he said.
