BISHKEK, April 1 (Xinhua) -- A snow leopard, a widely recognized national symbol of host Kyrgyzstan, has been unveiled as the mascot of the 2026 World Nomad Games (WNG), according to reports on Wednesday.
"The snow leopard is the image of Kyrgyzstan, where strength is combined with respect, and traditions are open to the world. Through this mascot, we wanted to convey the spirit of the 2026 World Nomad Games: dignity, balance, and openness to interaction," the WNG International Secretariat was quoted as saying by Kyrgyz national news agency Kabar.
Organizers said the mascot's design blends elements of Kyrgyzstan's natural landscape, nomadic heritage and contemporary identity. "The snow leopard is not just a mascot, but an image that reflects the character of the host country and the values of the 2026 World Nomad Games as an international platform uniting people through sport, culture and knowledge," they said.
The World Nomad Games is an international cultural and sporting event aimed at preserving and promoting the heritage of nomadic civilizations. Kyrgyzstan hosted the first three editions from 2014 to 2018, before the event moved to Türkiye in 2022 and Kazakhstan in 2024.
The sixth edition will be held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in the capital, Bishkek, while the main sporting and cultural events will be staged in the Issyk-Kul region. The program will feature 43 sports, alongside cultural and scientific activities. ■
