Ethnosport: Between Identity and Globalization

Aqsulu Sangali

From calcio storico in Florence to Kokpar in the Kazakh steppe – how ancient disciplines find their place in the 21st century.

Living Traditions in the Modern Age

In Italy, the power of traditional sports is well known: calcio storico in Florence, medieval jousts – local games that still draw thousands of spectators. These are not only competitions but also rituals of community that provide the sense of belonging. Similarly, in the heart of Central Asia, a movement known as ethnosport is experiencing a revival: a constellation of traditional disciplines that captivate new generations.

Sport as a Cultural Bridge

In today’s globalized world, dominated by football, basketball, and hockey, ethnosport offers a fascinating countertrend. It is not mere folklore. It is a space where communities rediscover their roots and translate them into a universal language. Unsurprisingly, these practices are gaining attention not only from historians or anthropologists, but also from tourists and international media.

The Case of Kazakhstan: Kokpar

One striking example comes from Kazakhstan, a country that in recent years has made the development of national sports its priority. The youth championship of kokpar is underway in Almaty: 14 regions, more than one hundred participants, dozens of young riders entering the field to test themselves in a contest that combines tradition, endurance, and spectacle.

The game’s rhythm is electrifying: imagine ice hockey on horseback. Victory demands not only raw strength, but also tactics, teamwork, and above all, mastery of the horse.

“The Youth Choose Their Roots”

The president of the Kokpar Federation, Aidarbek Khojanazarov, emphasizes:

“It is vital for us that the young people choose national sports. We organize championships and tournaments to give them the chance to express themselves. We are also developing the club-level kokpar, which will elevate professional level and expand the audience.”

The message reaches far beyond sport. In an age where globalization often erases cultural differences, kokpar stands out as a unique symbol of continuity and resilience. Therefore, Kazakhstan is investing in its own schools and athletes, rather than relying on foreign “legionnaires.”

Identity and Future

Kokpar is more than just a game. It is a symbol of Turkic unity, generational continuity, and confidence in the future. And perhaps, thanks to the enthusiasm of the youth and institutional support, this ancient discipline may one day become a part of global sporting heritage.

Tourism and International Appeal

The interest is not confined to Kazakhstan. Last year’s World Nomad Games drew vast international audiences, captivating tourists in search of authentic cultural experiences. For many, witnessing such competitions is like stepping into a living time capsule — distant, yet vividly alive.

Italy and the Steppe: An Invisible Thread

This is where the Italian reader might find a point of connection. Watching kokpar in the steppe, one cannot help but recall our own calcio storico, medieval races, or jousting tournaments: different forms of the same human instinct — to turn community life into ritualized sport.

Here the ethnosport becomes more than just a folklore. It becomes a message: a reminder of who we are, even as we continue to open ourselves to the world.