World Kokpar Championship Strengthens Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The World Kokpar Championship concluded in Turkestan, opening a new chapter in relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Amid the expansion of transport corridors and the establishment of joint industrial clusters, ethno-sport served as a “humanitarian bridge,” bringing together fans from Samarkand to Turkestan.

Revived after a nine-year hiatus, the tournament brought together over 100 athletes from nine countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, China, Hungary, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkey. The Uzbek team, comprising nine athletes, displayed exceptional skill and tactical flexibility, representing the Ulok-Kupkari school, recognized as one of the strongest in the world.

In the final match, Uzbekistan faced Kazakhstan. In a tense contest, the Uzbek palvans were defeated by the host team 9–2, earning silver medals and a prize fund of 7.5 million tenge.

Notably, the Uzbek team was the only one to bring its own horses, while other participants used mounts provided by the hosts. The Turkestan Hippodrome, constructed to world-class standards, is considered a model venue for future joint tournaments and fostering friendship among the youth of both countries.

Daniyar Kobylandin, president of the World Kokpar Association, praised the high level of the Uzbek team and emphasized that the association aims to transform this ancient art into a modern international sport.

Aidarbek Khodzhanazarov, president of the Kazakhstan Kokpar Federation, announced the adoption of new rules and the establishment of regular world championships every two years with active youth participation.

Uzbekistan’s head coach, Abdubanno Rakhmonov, expressed gratitude to the organizers: “Our players fought valiantly in the final, and I congratulate the people of Uzbekistan on the silver medals.”

The championship confirmed that the shared steppe and oasis civilization continues to shape the region’s path to prosperity in the 21st century.