KOK BORU is one of the wildest and at the same time spectacular games not only in Central Asia, but throughout the whole world! This is not just a game for nomads - it is a religion, a philosophy of life!
Kok Boru is a game with centuries-old history. At one time, all the nomads of Asian countries above the equator played it. Currently, this game is widespread in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Altai and Arab countries.
The length of the playing area is 200 m, the width is 70 m, the distance between the tai-kazans(huge cooking pots) is 140 m. Teams consist of 10 players, of which 4 are on the playing surface at any one time. i.e. 8 players from two teams are active on the playing field at the same time. As the game progresses, players change, just like in hockey. The game consists of three 20 minute halves. The winner is the team that throws the goat carcass into the opponent's tai-kazan the most number of times
I have already mentioned the carcass of a goat, which is a kind of ball in the game. This is perhaps the most controversial decision. Even Kyrgyz people themselves oppose this treatment of animals, considering the tradition inhumane.
There are several versions of the appearance of the game Kok Boru, but I will tell you the one that I like best.
A long time ago, in more primitive times, when tribes were at conflict with one another, men were drawn into battle. Young children, the elderly and women remained behind. At that time, the campaign continued for 2-3 years. Feeling the weakness, the wolves freely multiplied and attacked the nomads’ livestock. When the weak people had already despaired because of the misfortune, the warriors returned from the campaign. Seeing the bloody deed of the wolves, they sought revenge.
Shooting from bows, stabbing with pikes, chopping with sabers, they completely destroyed packs of wolves. Some brave souls hit the wolf's nose with a mace and played, snatching the lifeless animal from each other. This is how the game Kok Boru – gray wolf – appeared. Time passed and the number of wolves decreased. The horsemen then began to use young goats instead of wolves.
During these primitive times almost all games among nomads were devoted to training warriors. This category of games also includes Kok Boru, which quietly raised well-rounded cavalry warriors. This game demonstrates agility, courage, instant reactions of players and the best qualities of fast horses, and the game also teaches collective actions of a defensive nature and in a rapid attack.
Kok Boru contributed to the maintenance of warriors and their horses to repel sudden attacks by enemies in full combat readiness.
Kok Boru is the toughest sport I have ever seen. In the struggle for the goat, riders on horses get together, chase and attack each other, fall and hurt themselves. International rules of the game are designed to reduce injuries and accidents, including the animals. Special equipment is required; the lower joints of the horses are protected with pads made of leather or canvas. In addition, participants are strictly prohibited from ramming their opponents at speed and rearing their horses.
But the rules cannot always protect players and horses. Such “fun” can lead to broken limbs, disability or even death of the player.
Kok Boru is a game with centuries-old history. At one time, all the nomads of Asian countries above the equator played it. Currently, this game is widespread in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Altai and Arab countries.
The length of the playing area is 200 m, the width is 70 m, the distance between the tai-kazans(huge cooking pots) is 140 m. Teams consist of 10 players, of which 4 are on the playing surface at any one time. i.e. 8 players from two teams are active on the playing field at the same time. As the game progresses, players change, just like in hockey. The game consists of three 20 minute halves. The winner is the team that throws the goat carcass into the opponent's tai-kazan the most number of times
I have already mentioned the carcass of a goat, which is a kind of ball in the game. This is perhaps the most controversial decision. Even Kyrgyz people themselves oppose this treatment of animals, considering the tradition inhumane.
There are several versions of the appearance of the game Kok Boru, but I will tell you the one that I like best.
A long time ago, in more primitive times, when tribes were at conflict with one another, men were drawn into battle. Young children, the elderly and women remained behind. At that time, the campaign continued for 2-3 years. Feeling the weakness, the wolves freely multiplied and attacked the nomads’ livestock. When the weak people had already despaired because of the misfortune, the warriors returned from the campaign. Seeing the bloody deed of the wolves, they sought revenge.
Shooting from bows, stabbing with pikes, chopping with sabers, they completely destroyed packs of wolves. Some brave souls hit the wolf's nose with a mace and played, snatching the lifeless animal from each other. This is how the game Kok Boru – gray wolf – appeared. Time passed and the number of wolves decreased. The horsemen then began to use young goats instead of wolves.
During these primitive times almost all games among nomads were devoted to training warriors. This category of games also includes Kok Boru, which quietly raised well-rounded cavalry warriors. This game demonstrates agility, courage, instant reactions of players and the best qualities of fast horses, and the game also teaches collective actions of a defensive nature and in a rapid attack.
Kok Boru contributed to the maintenance of warriors and their horses to repel sudden attacks by enemies in full combat readiness.
Kok Boru is the toughest sport I have ever seen. In the struggle for the goat, riders on horses get together, chase and attack each other, fall and hurt themselves. International rules of the game are designed to reduce injuries and accidents, including the animals. Special equipment is required; the lower joints of the horses are protected with pads made of leather or canvas. In addition, participants are strictly prohibited from ramming their opponents at speed and rearing their horses.
But the rules cannot always protect players and horses. Such “fun” can lead to broken limbs, disability or even death of the player.
You can learn even more interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan on my blog or on my YouTube channel.
Kok-Boru.
1 January2024
photo:
Abylai Saralaev
Abylai Saralaev
author:
Larisa Bulina
Larisa Bulina
The traveler,
the founder of SARYKYZ
the founder of SARYKYZ