Pakistan’s Historic Run at the VI World Nomad Games 2026: Four Bronze Medals and a Story of National Pride

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The Traditional Sports and Games Pakistan Association (TSGPA) has released its official newsletter on Pakistan's participation in the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, held from 31 August to 6 September 2026 in Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic. Around 100 countries and more than 3,000 athletes took part across 43 traditional and indigenous sports, with Pakistan competing in 23 disciplines.

Pakistan officials seated at the VI World Nomad Games 2026
Pakistan contingent members at the World Nomad Games venue
Pakistani athlete holding the national flag
Pakistani athlete on the medal podium
Pakistan Sports Board officials at the Games
Pakistan delegation members at the Games venue

Executive Summary

The 6th World Nomad Games 2026 were held from 31 August to 6 September 2026 in Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, bringing together around 100 countries and more than 3,000 athletes across 43 traditional and indigenous sports. Pakistan participated with a strong contingent representing the country in 23 disciplines.

Pakistan achieved a commendable performance by securing four bronze medals—two in Mas-Wrestling and two in Tug of War. Pakistan also secured 4th position in Ordo and 16th position among 51 countries in the combined Toguz, Mangala and Oware standings, demonstrating the competitive potential of Pakistani athletes in traditional sports.

The participation also provided opportunities for international exposure, sports diplomacy and cultural exchange. The Pakistan delegation interacted with foreign dignitaries, sports officials and international participants, while promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural and sporting heritage. The delegation also visited the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek and presented cultural souvenirs as a gesture of friendship and goodwill.

Overall, Pakistan’s participation in the 6th World Nomad Games was a valuable international sporting experience and a significant step towards strengthening the country’s presence in traditional and indigenous sports. The results highlighted the talent and potential of Pakistani athletes and emphasized the need for continued training, institutional support, improved preparation and greater international exposure to achieve even stronger results in future editions.

Key Outcomes at a Glance
MetricDetail
Host nationKyrgyz Republic
Participating nations100+
Athletes3,000+
Sports43
Pakistan’s Participation23 Sports
Pakistan Medals4 Bronze
Medal Summary
DisciplineAthlete / TeamCategoryMedal
Tug of WarTeam Event8x8 EventBronze
Tug of WarTayyab Raza Awan1x1 EventBronze
Mas-WrestlingMuhammad Asim90 kgBronze
Mas-WrestlingIqra NaseebAbove 90 kgBronze
Event Overview
DetailInformation
Official titleVI World Nomad Games 2026
Host citiesBishkek and Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic
Opening CeremonyAug 31, 2026
Closing CeremonySep 6, 2026
Participating Nations100
Athletes3,000+
Sports43
VenueBishkek Arena Stadium
Opened byPresident of the Kyrgyz Republic
Pakistan Contingent and Participation

The Prime Minister of Pakistan attended the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The Pakistan contingent proudly participated in the official march-past, carrying the national flag and representing Pakistan at the ceremonial opening of the Games. Pakistan participated across 23 disciplines, demonstrating its commitment to traditional and indigenous sports.

The Pakistan contingent’s participation included a range of traditional sports and disciplines, providing Pakistani athletes with an opportunity to compete internationally, gain valuable experience and promote the country’s sporting heritage. The presence of the Prime Minister and the participation of Team Pakistan in the opening ceremony further enhanced the significance of Pakistan’s representation at the Games.

Pakistan competed in the following 23 disciplines: Tug of War, Alysh, Arm Wrestling, Mas-Wrestling, Quresh, Strongman, Ordo, Kyrgyz Kurash, Traditional Archery, Mangala, Mongol Bokh, Horseback Archery, Oware, Sambo, Break Bone, Toguz Korgool, Sumo, Pehalwani, Koresh, Khapsagai, Gyulesh, Qazak Quersh, Kurash.


Executive Summary
Pre Departure Ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games 2026

The Pre-Departure Ceremony of the Pakistan Contingent for the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 was held at the National Coaching Centre, Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore, as a formal send-off for Team Pakistan before its departure for Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief Guest, Additional Inspector General South Punjab Kamran Khan, Chef de Mission Muhammad Shahid, Deputy Director General Pakistan Sports Board, senior officials, representatives of sports federations, coaches, athletes and members of the media.

Nawab Furqan Khan, Head of Delegation, Pakistan Contingent, welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the preparations and objectives of Pakistan's participation. He encouraged the athletes to represent the country with discipline, confidence, unity and sportsmanship.

The ceremony also highlighted Pakistan's rich heritage of traditional sports and the importance of promoting them at the international level. The contingent comprised approximately 100 athletes and officials participating in various traditional and indigenous sports.

The event concluded with best wishes for the contingent and a renewed commitment to achieving success while proudly representing the Green and White flag of Pakistan at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026.

Nawab Furqan Khan addressing the athletes and participants during the Pre-Departure Ceremony
Nawab Furqan Khan, Head of Delegation, addressing the athletes and participants during the Pre-Departure Ceremony of the Pakistan Contingent for the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 at the National Coaching Centre, Pakistan Sports Board, Lahore.
Attendees at the Pre-Departure Ceremony of the Pakistan Contingent
Kit distribution ceremony for the Pakistan Contingent
Pakistan Sports Board officials distributing kits to athletes
Officials presenting kits to Pakistani athletes
Participants during the Pre-Departure Ceremony of the Pakistan Contingent for the 6th World Nomad Games 2026
Distribution of Kits by the PSB
Kit distribution ceremony, Pakistan Sports Board
Kit distribution ceremony, Pakistan Sports Board
Athlete receiving official kit from officials

Airport Departure
Departure of Team Pakistan for the VI World Nomad Games 2026

The Pakistan Contingent departed from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, aboard Aero Nomad Airlines, for Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to participate in the 6th World Nomad Games 2026. Aero Nomad operates the Lahore–Bishkek international route.

The athletes, coaches, officials and delegation members departed with high spirits and national pride, carrying the hopes and prayers of the nation. The journey marked the beginning of Team Pakistan's participation in the international traditional-sports event.

Pakistan Contingent at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore
Pakistan Contingent departing for Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Pakistan Contingent group photo before departure
Pictures of the Pakistan Contingent during their departure from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, for the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attended the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on 31 August 2026. The ceremony was attended by several heads of state and government participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization engagements.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister warmly acknowledged the Pakistan Contingent as it entered the stadium. He stood up, applauded and paid tribute to the Pakistani athletes, while the spectators also warmly welcomed Team Pakistan.

The Prime Minister's gesture was a great source of encouragement and pride for the Pakistani athletes, coaches and officials. His presence at the Games reflected the Government of Pakistan's support for the country's sporting talent and provided additional motivation to the contingent to compete with confidence, discipline and determination while proudly representing the Green and White flag of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and dignitaries at the Opening Ceremony
March-past at the Opening Ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games 2026
Participants during the Pre-Departure Ceremony of the Pakistan Contingent for the 6th World Nomad Games 2026
Opening Ceremony
Pakistan delegation members at the Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony performance at Bishkek Arena Stadium
Opening Ceremony performance at Bishkek Arena Stadium
Crowd at the Opening Ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games 2026

Mas-Wrestling
Muhammad Asim celebrating with the Pakistan flag and bronze medal
Muhammad Asim – Bronze Medalist

Muhammad Asim, an international Mas-Wrestling athlete from Pakistan, has established himself as one of the country's promising young competitors in the sport. His international record includes silver medals at the Asian Mas-Wrestling Championship in Uzbekistan (2022) and the World Mas-Wrestling Championship in Uzbekistan (2023), followed by a bronze medal at the 5th World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan (2024).

At the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Kyrgyz Republic, Muhammad Asim once again represented Pakistan at the highest international level, winning bronze in the 90 kg Mas-Wrestling category after defeating his Iranian opponent. This achievement contributed to Pakistan's overall four-medal haul at the Games.

Muhammad Asim on the podium with his bronze medal certificate
Muhammad Asim with teammates and officials

Mas-Wrestling
Iqra Naseeb celebrating with the Pakistan flag and bronze medal
Iqra Naseeb – Bronze Medalist

Iqra Naseeb is an internationally recognized Pakistani female Mas-Wrestling athlete who has represented Pakistan on the international stage with strength, determination and competitive spirit. She has emerged as an important name in Pakistan's traditional sports, particularly in women's Mas-Wrestling.

At the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Iqra Naseeb delivered an outstanding performance in the above 90 kg Mas-Wrestling category, defeating her Russian opponent in the bronze-medal contest to secure a bronze medal for Pakistan. Her achievement was one of Pakistan's four bronze medals at the Games and highlighted the growing presence of Pakistani women in international traditional sports.

Her performance demonstrates her strength, perseverance, discipline and commitment to excellence, while also serving as an inspiration for young Pakistani women to participate in traditional and indigenous sports. Iqra Naseeb's international success has contributed to promoting Mas-Wrestling and women's participation in sports and brought further recognition to Pakistan on the international sporting stage.

Iqra Naseeb on the podium with her bronze medal certificate

Tug of War 8x8
Pakistan Tug of War 8x8 team group photo
Bronze Medalist

The Pakistan Tug of War 8×8 team delivered an outstanding performance at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, securing a bronze medal and bringing another international honour to Pakistan. The team, captained by Yasir Abbas Awan, demonstrated exceptional strength, coordination, discipline and determination throughout the competition.

Pakistan produced impressive results against strong international teams during its campaign, including victories over India, Great Britain, Russia, Brazil and other leading teams. The team progressed to the medal stage and faced Iran in the bronze-medal contest, where Pakistan secured a decisive victory to finish third and claim the bronze medal.

The achievement reflects the collective effort, physical strength and teamwork of the Pakistani athletes. Under the leadership of Captain Yasir Abbas Awan, the team displayed remarkable resilience and sportsmanship, making the 8×8 Tug of War bronze medal one of the highlights of Pakistan's participation in the 6th World Nomad Games.

Pakistan Tug of War 8x8 team celebrating with flags

The team performed under the supervision and leadership of Captain Yasir Abbas Awan and Coach Malik Imdad Hussain Awan. Their combined leadership, technical guidance, discipline and team coordination played an important role in the successful campaign. Pakistan also recorded strong performances against several leading teams during the competition.

The bronze medal represents a significant achievement for Pakistan in international Tug of War and reflects the strength, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship of the entire squad. The success brought honour to Pakistan and highlighted the country's growing potential in traditional and indigenous sports.

Captain Yasir Abbas Awan at the VI World Nomad Games 2026
Captain Yasir Abbas Awan celebrating with the Pakistan flag
Pakistan Tug of War 8x8 team on the podium with their bronze medal certificate

Tayyab Raza Awan — 1×1 Tug of War

Tayyab Raza Awan delivered an outstanding performance for Pakistan at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, securing a bronze medal in the 1×1 Tug of War competition. His achievement was one of Pakistan's four bronze medals at the Games.

Tayyab demonstrated exceptional strength, endurance, technique, determination and fighting spirit throughout the competition. According to published reports, he defeated opponents from Russia, Georgia and Great Britain during his campaign before facing an Iranian opponent in the bronze-medal contest, where he secured victory and a place on the podium.

His bronze medal represents a significant achievement for Pakistan in an international traditional sport and reflects his dedication, physical preparation and competitive ability. Tayyab Raza Awan's performance also contributed to Pakistan's successful campaign at the 6th World Nomad Games, where the country finished with four bronze medals—two in Tug of War and two in Mas-Wrestling.

Tayyab Raza Awan with his bronze medals and certificate

Participation in 23 Sports Disciplines
Ordo
Pakistan Ordo team in competition
Pakistan Ordo team in competition

The Pakistan Ordo Team secured an impressive fourth position at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026. The team demonstrated strong competitive ability, determination and team spirit throughout the tournament, recording notable victories against teams from the United States, Korea and Russia.

Intellectual Games: Toguz Kargool, Mangala and Oware

Pakistan secured an impressive 16th position out of 51 participating countries in the aggregate standings of Toguz, Mangala and Oware at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026. The team earned a combined 34.5 points, including 12 points in Toguz, 10.5 points in Mangala and 12 points in Oware.

The result reflected a balanced and consistent performance across all three disciplines, demonstrating the players' skills, strategic understanding and competitive spirit. Pakistan's participation in these traditional mind sports also provided valuable international exposure and contributed to the country's growing presence in traditional and indigenous sports.

Pakistan team competing in Toguz Kargool
Pakistan team competing in Mangala
Pakistan players at the intellectual games competition
Intellectual games competition hall
Pakistani players competing in Oware

Arm Wrestling
Pakistan Arm Wrestling athlete in competition
Pakistan Arm Wrestling athlete in competition against Kyrgyzstan

The Pakistan Arm Wrestling Team demonstrated a strong competitive performance at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, securing several notable individual match victories against international opponents. Haidar Ali defeated his opponent from Great Britain, while Muhammad Ahmad secured a victory against Kyrgyzstan. Sageer also recorded an important win against an opponent from Russia.

These victories reflected the athletes' strength, technique, determination and competitive spirit, while providing valuable international exposure and experience for Pakistan's Arm Wrestling athletes on the international stage.

Horseback Archery
Pakistan Horseback Archery team
Horseback archer in competition

The Horseback Archery competition featured 127 players from 40 countries, providing a highly competitive international platform for participating athletes. Pakistan was represented by a dedicated team led by Captain Arshaq Naeem, with Arham Ahsan recorded as the highest-scoring Pakistani participant. Aurangzeb Mubashar served as the team's Manager and Coach, providing leadership and technical guidance throughout the competition. Pakistan's participation offered valuable international exposure and experience in this traditional equestrian discipline.


Breaking Bone
Pakistani athlete competing in the Breaking Bone Game

Pakistan participated in the Breaking Bone Game, a traditional strength-based sport that requires physical power, concentration, endurance and resilience. The participation further strengthened Pakistan's representation across the diverse traditional and indigenous sports programme of the 6th World Nomad Games 2026.

The event provided Pakistani athletes with valuable international exposure and competitive experience, while contributing to the promotion of Pakistan's participation in traditional sports at the global level.

Pehalwani
Pakistani wrestler competing in Pehalwani

The Pakistan team participated in the traditional Pehalwani (traditional wrestling) competitions at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026. Pakistani wrestlers showcased their strength, technical ability, physical fitness, determination and sportsmanship, proudly representing the country's centuries-old wrestling tradition on an international platform.

The participation provided Pakistani wrestlers with an opportunity to compete and interact with athletes from different countries, gaining valuable international exposure and competitive experience. Their presence also helped promote Pakistan's traditional wrestling culture and indigenous sports heritage among the international sporting community.

Pehalwani match at the VI World Nomad Games 2026
Pehalwani wrestling competition

The Pakistani wrestlers competed with discipline and confidence, maintaining a strong spirit of fair play and respect for their opponents. Their participation was well received by spectators, athletes and officials from participating nations, further highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of Pehalwani at the World Nomad Games.

Overall, Pakistan's participation in Pehalwani contributed to the broader objective of promoting traditional sports, cultural heritage and international sports diplomacy, while providing a platform for Pakistani wrestlers to represent the Green and White flag with pride.


Mongol Wrestling Style and Kurash

The Pakistan team participated in traditional wrestling events at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, showcasing Pakistan's strength and talent in indigenous combat sports. Abdul Rehman secured a victory in the Mongol Wrestling – Absolute Weight category against Italy, while Haseeb Mustafa recorded a win in the Kurash – Absolute Weight category against Malta.

Their victories demonstrated the athletes' strength, skill, determination and competitive spirit, while highlighting Pakistan's potential in traditional wrestling disciplines. Their participation also provided valuable international exposure and helped promote Pakistan's rich heritage of traditional sports on the international stage.

Abdul Rehman before his Mongol Wrestling bout
Haseeb Mustafa before his Kurash bout
Pakistani wrestler competing in Mongol Wrestling
Wrestling bout at the VI World Nomad Games 2026
Kurash match, Pakistan vs. opponent
Kurash match at the VI World Nomad Games 2026

Archery
Pakistan Archery Team at the VI World Nomad Games 2026
Pakistani archer competing at the VI World Nomad Games 2026

The Pakistan Archery Team participated in the archery competitions at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, representing the country in one of the traditional and skill-based sporting disciplines. The competition provided Pakistani athletes with an opportunity to compete alongside archers from different countries and gain valuable international experience.

The athletes demonstrated focus, precision, discipline and determination throughout their participation. Archery requires a high level of concentration, technical control and consistency, and the Pakistani team competed with a strong spirit of sportsmanship while proudly representing the Green and White flag.

Pakistan's participation in archery further strengthened its representation across the diverse traditional and indigenous sports programme of the Games. It also provided an important platform for developing competitive experience, promoting traditional sporting skills and enhancing Pakistan's presence in international traditional sports events.

Pakistan Delegation Interaction: Cultural & Sports Diplomacy

During the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, the Pakistan delegation actively engaged with foreign dignitaries, officials, athletes and representatives from participating countries. As part of these engagements, the delegation presented traditional Pakistani cultural souvenirs symbolising the country's rich heritage, history and cultural diversity to distinguished guests and international representatives.

These exchanges provided an important opportunity to introduce Pakistan's cultural identity to the international community and to promote a positive image of the country beyond the sporting arena. The presentation of cultural gifts also reflected the values of hospitality, friendship and mutual respect that Pakistan seeks to promote through international sporting events.

The initiative contributed to sports diplomacy and cultural exchange, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and strengthening goodwill among participating nations. Through these activities, the Pakistan delegation demonstrated that participation in the World Nomad Games was not limited to sporting competition but also served as a platform for building international relationships, promoting people-to-people contacts and strengthening cultural ties.

Overall, Pakistan's cultural engagements during the Games complemented its sporting participation and reflected the country's commitment to using sports and cultural heritage as instruments of friendship, cooperation and international goodwill.

Pakistan delegation presenting a cultural souvenir
Pakistan delegation meeting with international representatives
Pakistan delegation at a diplomatic engagement
Pakistan delegation members with international guests
Pakistan delegation at the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek

Medal Table
RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1Kazakhstan32202274
2Kyrgyzstan30311677
3Russia771933
4Iran43815
5Uzbekistan351220
6Mongolia331723
7Turkmenistan23611
8Tajikistan2035
9Ghana2013
10Moldova1405
11France1012
11Hungary1012
13Nigeria1001
13South Korea1001
13Togo1001
16China0426
17Georgia0213
18Poland0134
19Azerbaijan0123
20Belarus0112
21–22Saudi Arabia0101
21–22United States0101
23Pakistan0044

Acknowledgement and Appreciation

On behalf of the entire Pakistan Contingent, sincere appreciation is extended to all players, coaches, managers and officials for their dedication, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the 6th World Nomad Games 2026. Their commitment, hard work and determination enabled them to represent Pakistan with dignity and pride on the international stage.

Special appreciation is extended to the Pakistan Sports Board for its valuable support, coordination, arrangements and guidance throughout the Games. The continued encouragement and support of the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan towards the promotion of sports, athletes and cultural diplomacy at the international level is also deeply acknowledged.

The successful participation of the Pakistan Contingent was made possible through the collective efforts, coordination and cooperation of all stakeholders. The achievements at the Games reflect the dedication of the athletes and officials and provide a strong foundation for further development and promotion of Pakistan's traditional and indigenous sports.

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Prepared byNawab Furqan KhanSports Governance Expert –
Head of Delegation TSGPA - Founder TSGPA
Nawab Furqan Khan, Head of Delegation, TSGPA