Olympic Contests in the Open Steppes
In the heart of Central Asia, the ancient game of Asyq aty is experiencing a renaissance. This traditional Kazakh sport, once confined to informal gatherings, has now become a popular spectacle, attracting participants from various age groups and countries.
The open championship of Asyq aty in Astana, Kazakhstan, is a testament to this growing popularity. With 39 registered participants, the competition features 22 boys and 17 girls, each vying for victory in age categories ranging from 7-10 to over 21 years old.
Asyq aty, a game deeply rooted in Kazakhstan's nomadic culture, involves equestrian feats reminiscent of a bygone era. The objective of the game, which has also gained popularity in the form of Bes Asyq, is to seize a goat carcass or a symbolic object while riding a horse.
The revitalization of these traditional games can be attributed to a resurgence of national pride and a desire to preserve cultural heritage. This renewed interest, which gained momentum after Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union, has led to the organization of local and national competitions to keep the tradition alive.
Asyq aty and Bes Asyq have also gained recognition as cultural symbols, with festivals and tournaments often held during national celebrations and sporting festivals. This recognition has extended beyond Kazakhstan's borders, with the games being included in regional Turkic cultural events.
The internationalization of these games is evident, with participants from other Turkic-speaking countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey taking part in events. This cross-border cooperation not only reinforces cultural ties but also fosters a sense of unity within Central Asia and the broader Turkic community.
The competition in Astana includes 4 masters of sport and 5 candidates for master of sport, demonstrating the high level of skill and dedication required to excel in these traditional games. The winners of the competition will have the opportunity to represent Astana at the youth championship of Kazakhstan in Aktau in August.
Asyq aty's status has been elevated, with it being officially recognized as a priority alongside Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. The Aspan Sports Complex in Astana is hosting the open championship of national games, providing a modern platform for these ancient games.
A significant moment in the sport's history occurred in 2023 when President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev played Asyq aty with President of France Emmanuel Macron, symbolizing the growing international interest in these traditional games.
In conclusion, the revival and internationalization of Asyq aty and Bes Asyq in Kazakhstan reflect an active effort to preserve traditional sports, enhance their competitive structure, gain national and international cultural recognition, and foster cross-border cultural cooperation within Central Asia and the broader Turkic community. This mirrors broader regional interest in traditional games and cultural heritage as elements of national identity and soft power. Although detailed specific recent data on international competition is limited, related cultural ties in Central Asia and Turkic states indicate ongoing developments in this area.
In the light of the revival and international recognition of Asyq aty and Bes Asyq, football tournaments featuring national teams in Central Asian countries have shown a unique blend of tradition and modern sports. For instance, a friendly match between the Kazakhstan national football team and a team selected from the winners of local Asyq aty competitions could add an exciting twist to sports events.
As the popularity of traditional games such as Asyq aty grows, it opens up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations, such as combining elements of equestrian sports with football, creating an innovative fusion of traditional and modern sports in Kazakhstan.
