Stepping Competitions Proposed for Olympic Events
In the heart of Kazakhstan, the Aspan sports complex recently hosted an open championship of national games for youth and girls born between 2005 and 2008. The event, officially recognised as a priority alongside Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, featured the traditional Kazakh game, Asyq Aty, and another traditional game, Bes Asyq.
Asyq Aty, a game with ancient origins, has been a popular pastime among nomadic Kazakhs. It involves throwing and knocking down sheep knucklebones, known as asyq. The game has seen a resurgence in recent years, with legislative changes in Kazakhstan supporting its promotion and preservation as part of cultural heritage.
The competition in Astana featured 4 masters of sports and 5 candidates, with 22 boys competing in Asyq Aty and 17 girls in Bes Asyq. Referees from the Pavlodar region were invited to ensure fair and objective judging. The winners of the competition will be included in the capital's team and represent Astana at the youth championship of Kazakhstan in Aktau in August.
The competition saw athletes from more than 10 countries unite on the Great Steppe for the first time in the V World Nomad Games, where Asyq Aty and Bes Asyq were also included in the program. Notably, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev played Asyq Aty with French President Emmanuel Macron in 2023, highlighting the game's growing international recognition.
A special carpet is now used for Asyq Aty games, with players coming out from blue and red corners. Asaq (game bones) are painted in different colours for Asyq Aty games as part of the national tradition. Asyq Aty competitions in Kazakhstan have age categories: 7-10, 11-13, 14-16, 17-20, and 21 and above.
Despite the lack of specific information about Asyq Aty's international competitions or formal recognition by international sports bodies, the game continues to thrive in Kazakhstan and beyond. For more detailed and recent information, further targeted searches or contacting cultural institutions in Kazakhstan directly may provide additional insights.
Football, a game with global recognition, often generates enthusiasm among youth around the world. However, in the heart of Kazakhstan, the sports complex recently hosted an open championship for Asyq Aty, a game with ancient origins, showcasing its vibrant resurgence and cultural significance.
