Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan): Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday (August 31).
India has sent an 87-member contingent to the Games. It includes 73 athletes, 10 cultural representatives and four participants in the scientific programme. The 2026 edition has a broad sporting programme covering 43 disciplines.
Sharing visuals from the ceremony on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “PM @narendramodi, along with other SCO leaders, participated in the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek. He said the Games bring countries together in a “vibrant celebration of their shared culture”. He described the biennial event as a celebration of the sporting traditions, culture and heritage of nomadic civilisations. The prime minister also greeted members of the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony as they entered the arena carrying the national flag. The competitions include traditional wrestling styles such as Goresh, Kurash and Mongol Bokh. Horse-based events also form a major part of the Games, with Kok Boru, Kekpar and other equestrian competitions on the programme. Other traditional and strength-based contests include Toguz Kargool, Mangala, Oware, Chuko, Ordo, tug of war and strongman events. Modi’s participation at the Bishkek opening ceremony came along with other SCO leaders, with the event combining the sporting programme with a celebration of traditional culture and heritage.
