Qatar’s Al Gannas Association Showcases Falconry Heritage at Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek: The Qatar Al Gannas Association has participated in the sixth edition of the Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, joining thousands of participants from around the world in an international celebration of traditional sports and nomadic culture. The event concluded in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on September 6. 

Qatar Pavilion Highlights Falconry Achievements

The association took part with a large pavilion featuring a photographic exhibition highlighting several of its major initiatives and achievements.

Among the projects showcased were the campaign to reintroduce falcons into the wild, the Qatar Falcon Genome Project, as well as Al Gannas Association’s participation in previous editions of the Nomad Games. 

The pavilion also introduced international visitors to Qatar’s longstanding falconry heritage, while highlighting the association’s role in preserving and promoting the traditional practice. 

Support for Falconry and Traditional Competitions

Al Gannas Association also supported a number of competitions held during the Games, including falconry, Saluki racing and drawing competitions.

The participation provided Qatar with an opportunity to present important aspects of its cultural heritage to an international audience while strengthening connections with communities that share traditions linked to hunting, falconry and nomadic life. 

Nomad Games Celebrate Traditional Sports

The Nomad Games featured a broad programme of competitions inspired by traditional nomadic lifestyles.

Activities included:

•    Equestrian sports 
•    Wrestling 
•    Archery 
•    Traditional folk games 
•    Falconry and hunting-related competitions 

The sporting programme was accompanied by cultural and artistic performances featuring music, handicrafts, traditional clothing and folk stories connected to the identity of nomadic communities. 

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

The Nomad Games aim to revive traditional sports and practices associated with nomadic cultures and help preserve them for future generations.

The event was first launched in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, when it welcomed around 600 competitors from 19 countries. Since then, it has grown significantly, attracting thousands of athletes and participants from nearly 100 countries. 

Beyond competition, the Games serve as an international platform for communities to showcase their cultural heritage and preserve traditional practices that have been passed down through generations.

Qatar’s participation through Al Gannas Association reflects continued efforts to promote falconry, heritage conservation and cultural exchange on the international stage.

Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA)