The sixth World Nomad Games opened Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the newly constructed Bishkek Arena [1, 2].
The event serves as a cultural anchor for the 26th SCO Summit, blending the celebration of nomadic heritage with high-level diplomatic meetings between regional powers.
More than 90 countries are participating in the games [3]. The festival, which runs through Sept. 6 [3], focuses on celebrating nomadic traditions and sports. The opening ceremony drew several global heads of state, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan [1, 2].
PM Modi and President Putin met during the games following their official SCO summit meeting, reports said [3]. The gathering provided a backdrop for leaders to discuss regional connectivity and trade. Turkish President Erdoğan attended the ceremony during an official visit to the country [2].
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also arrived in the Kyrgyz capital for the event, Reuters said [1]. The games are designed to showcase the heritage of the steppe through athletic competitions and cultural displays.
Bishkek Arena was specifically built to host the festivities and the accompanying diplomatic delegations [2]. The event coincides with the broader geopolitical goals of the SCO, utilizing cultural diplomacy to strengthen ties between member states and partner nations.
“More than 90 countries are participating in the games.”
The synchronization of the World Nomad Games with the SCO Summit demonstrates Kyrgyzstan's strategy of using 'soft power' to elevate its international profile. By hosting a major cultural event alongside a security and political summit, the government creates an informal environment for leaders like Putin and Modi to conduct bilateral diplomacy outside of rigid summit protocols.
