Pakistan wins four medals at World Nomad Games 2026

BISHKEK: Pakistan secured four bronze medals at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026 in Kyrgyzstan, with its athletes putting up strong performances in traditional sports including mas-wrestling and tug of war.

The Pakistani contingent won two bronze medals each in mas-wrestling and tug of war, earning recognition for the country at the international sporting event.

In the 8×8 tug of war category, Pakistan defeated teams from India, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Brazil and Kyrgyzstan during its campaign. The Pakistani team eventually secured third position after overcoming Iran in the bronze-medal contest.

The team was led by captain Yasir Abbas Awan, who also received a cash prize of 100,000 Kyrgyz soms for his performance.

Pakistan also claimed a bronze medal in the 1×1 tug of war category, where Tayyab Raza Awan represented the country. He defeated competitors from India, Russia, Brazil and England before securing third place by overcoming Georgia in the bronze-medal contest. He was awarded a cash prize of 30,000 Kyrgyz soms.

Both tug of war competitions were held at the Kyrchin Gorge Valley, located around 340 kilometres east of Bishkek along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul near Cholpon-Ata.

Pakistan’s remaining two bronze medals came in mas-wrestling. Muhammad Asim won bronze in the 90kg category after defeating his Iranian opponent, while Iqra Naseeb secured bronze in the over-90kg category after overcoming her Russian opponent in the medal contest. Iqra also received a cash prize of 15,000 Kyrgyz soms.

The mas-wrestling competitions were held at the Gazprom Sports Complex in Cholpon-Ata.

The performances were hailed as a reflection of the athletes’ determination, strength and competitive spirit on the international stage. Their success also provided an opportunity for Pakistan’s national flag to be displayed before an international audience.

Earlier, the Pakistani contingent participated in the opening ceremony in green and white attire. The ceremony in Bishkek was also attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Pakistan contingent was led by Nawab Furqan Ahmad Khan, president of the Pakistan Traditional Sports Federation, along with secretary Shahzaib Janjua and members Babur Butt and Iqbal Murtaza.

The Pakistani team also introduced kite flying, a traditional sport, in Kyrgyzstan. Shahzaib Janjua and other team members demonstrated the activity along the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.

The Pakistan Traditional Sports Federation received support from the Pakistan Sports Board to facilitate the country’s participation in the World Nomad Games.

The President, Prime Minister and Pakistan Sports Board congratulated the medal-winning athletes and organisers for their participation and achievements, praising their efforts in bringing recognition to Pakistan at the international level.