Kazakhstan’s sports minister speaks out after World Nomad Games medal dispute

Kazakhstan’s Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabossynov thanked Kyrgyzstan for hosting the sixth World Nomad Games, even as the two countries disputed the final medal standings.

In a statement published Sunday evening on the Telegram channel of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Myrzabossynov described the event as a special international gathering that brought brotherly nations together through shared history, traditions and national sports.

He said he had met Urmat Asanbayev, director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports under Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, to review their joint work during the Games. As a sign of respect, Myrzabossynov presented Asanbayev with a bow, which he called a symbol of the rich heritage and shared traditions of nomadic peoples.

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The 6th World Nomad Games are a special international event that brings brotherly nations together through their shared history, traditions and national sports.

The minister emphasized the common historical roots, similar traditions and spiritual values of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples. He said international competitions strengthened ties between athletes and sports professionals and helped develop cooperation between the two countries.

Myrzabossynov said the Games in Kyrgyzstan had been organized to a high standard and thanked the Kyrgyz people for their warm welcome. Earlier, however, it emerged that Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan had calculated the results differently after the event ended on September 6. The disagreement centered on the winner of the medal table.

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The World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan were organized at a high level. I thank the brotherly Kyrgyz people for their hospitality and warm welcome.