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

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

Qatar Pavilion Highlights Falconry Achievements

Al Gannas Association took part with a large pavilion featuring a photographic exhibition that showcased several of its major achievements and initiatives.

The display highlighted projects including the campaign to reintroduce falcons to the wild, the Qatar Falcon Genome Project, and the association’s participation in previous editions of the Nomad Games. 

The pavilion also introduced visitors to Qatar’s falconry heritage and the association’s efforts to preserve and promote this traditional practice internationally. 

Support for Falconry and Traditional Competitions

During the event, Al Gannas Association supported several competitions linked to traditional heritage, including:

•    Falconry competitions 
•    Saluki racing 
•    Drawing competitions 

The participation offered Qatar an opportunity to share an important part of its cultural identity with an international audience while strengthening connections with communities that have similar traditions linked to hunting, falconry and nomadic life. 

Nomad Games Celebrate Traditional Sports and Culture

The Nomad Games featured a wide range of competitions inspired by traditional nomadic lifestyles.

Events included equestrian sports, wrestling, archery and traditional folk games, alongside cultural and artistic programmes showcasing music, handicrafts, traditional clothing and folk stories associated with nomadic communities. 

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

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

The event was first launched in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, when it attracted around 600 competitors from 19 countries. It has since expanded significantly and now draws thousands of athletes from nearly 100 countries. 

Beyond competition, the Games serve as an international platform for showcasing the cultural traditions of communities whose histories are closely linked with nomadic life.

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

Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA)