Kok-boru – Traditional Kyrgyz Horseback Competition.

Kok-boru, which translates to English as gray wolf, has its origins in the distant past, from a time when men went to go hunt for prey to feed their families and cattle remained under the supervision of elders, women and youth. Wolves often attacked livestock and caused many problems. After returning from the hunt, angry men would go to chase after the wolf pack. Having caught up with the pack, they would pick up running wolves from the ground, throwing them between each other almost playfully. The game today requires teams to throw a dead sheep or goat into their opponent's well on the playing field.

Salbuurun –
Kyrgyz national kinds of hunting.

Salbuurun - complex hunting games of the Kyrgyz people with hunting birds and dogs.

Competitions are held in the following disciplines:
1. Burkut saluu - hunting with golden eagles. Composition of the team - 6 people: 1 leader and 5 berkutchi (hunter with eagles).
2. Dalba oynotuu - falcon flying to the lure. Composition of the team - 6 people: 1 leader and 5 Kushchu (falconer).
3. Taigan jarysh - dog racing among breeds of greyhound. Composition of the team - 6 people: 1 leader and 5 owners of dogs.

Kyrgyz Kurosh –
Traditional Kyrgyz wrestling.

Historically, groups have taken special care in the preparation of heroes who would represent the nation during military campaigns and celebrations. Quite often, the central place was given to wrestlers competing in different kinds of traditional events.

Legends, parables, and historical sources show us plenty about outstanding wrestlers. Wrestling itself has become part of traditional culture, and still has influence today. Kyrgyz kurosh is an ancient type of wrestling that is still popular today.

Athletes wear loose white trousers, leaving the upper body bare. They stand facing each other on a mat and hold each other's belts with both hands, but may release one hand during the match. The person who is able to throw their opponent on their shoulder wins.

Traditional Archery

There are several different types of archery that will be represented at the Games, but all use traditional bows (rather than internationally regulated ones) and require traditional clothing.

Joo jaa atuu is standing archery, where participants have five opportunities to shoot at a stationary target, usually an image of a mountain goat. Teams consist of 9 people (five men, three women and one coach).

Atchan jaa atuu requires riders on horseback to shoot at a stationary target (also usually a picture of a mountain goat) from a full gallop. Three targets are placed 35 meters apart, and riders approach at a gallop and have to shoot at all three targets. Riders make three approaches at the targets, totaling 15 shots. Archers are judged based on their speed and accuracy.