East Kazakhstan to Host the First Asia Cup in the National Sport of Kusbegilik “Shygys Salburyny – 2026”

From 8 to 10 October 2026, East Kazakhstan Region will host a major international sports and cultural event – the First Asia Cup in the traditional art of hunting with birds of prey, “Shygys Salburyny – 2026.” The event will take place in the Ulan District, on the territory of Bozanbay rural district, at the “Burkit Tobe” venue.

The tournament is aimed at reviving, preserving and promoting the centuries-old traditions of nomadic civilization, as well as advancing national sports on the international stage. Professional eagle hunters and falconers will take part in the competitions, demonstrating their skills in handling birds of prey.

Professional eagle hunters and falconers from Kazakhstan, Hungary, Spain, Georgia, China, Mongolia, Russia, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will participate in the competitions, showcasing their skills in handling birds of prey and presenting the traditions of falconry from their respective countries.

Event Programme

The three-day programme includes both sporting competitions and a spectacular cultural programme:

• 8 October – organizational day: preparation of the ethno-village (installation of yurts), arrival and registration of participants, a meeting of the Credentials Committee and the draw.
• 9 October – at 10:00, the official opening ceremony of the tournament will take place. The day will feature qualifying rounds and semi-finals, including equipment checks, calling the golden eagle to the hand from a distance of 700 metres, releasing birds at a lure (shyrga), as well as competitions involving falcons and hawks.
• 10 October (Main Day) – the final competitions will begin at 10:30 (free hunting: golden eagles will be released at a fox, while hawks and falcons will hunt a hare and a pigeon).

In addition to the kusbegilik competitions, guests and participants will be offered a programme featuring traditional sports of the Great Steppe.

The programme will include:

• archery (sadak atu);
• tug of war (arkan tartu);
• a race of Tazy, the traditional Kazakh dog breed.

The demonstration programme will feature:

• breaking in wild horses (asau üiretu);
• mounted archery (zhamby atu);
• picking up coins while riding (tenge ilu);
• the traditional competition “Tolagay.”

The closing ceremony and award presentation for the winners of the First Asia Cup will take place on 10 October at 16:30.

The organizers invite representatives of national and regional mass media to participate in covering the tournament. “Shygys Salburyny – 2026” will serve as a unique media platform showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan and the strong tourism potential of East Kazakhstan Region.

Venue: East Kazakhstan Region, Ulan District, Bozanbay rural district, “Burkit Tobe” area.
Dates: 8–10 October 2026.