Kazakhstan Hosts Inaugural Open Asian Falconry Cup with 176 International Competitors

The conclusion of the first Open Asian Falconry Cup in East Kazakhstan marks a significant expansion for the region’s nomadic sports, as 176 bird hunters from 10 countries gathered to compete in the village of Bozanbay. Held on October 9 and 10, 2026, the event elevated the established Shygys Salburyny festival to a major international championship, drawing approximately 15,000 spectators to the Burkit Tobe ethnocultural complex.

The competition featured three primary categories of raptors: the golden eagle (berkut), the hawk (qarshyga), and the saker falcon (itelgi). According to official results, Serikbolsyn Zhalgasuly from the Zhambyl Region secured the gold medal in the prestigious golden eagle category. Other top honors went to Zaki Makhmudkhan in the hawk competition and Temirali Tolegenuly in the saker falcon division.

Approximately 15,000 visitors attended the cultural festivities at the Burkit Tobe ethnocultural complex.

Beyond the falconry displays, the festival showcased a broader array of nomadic traditions, including Tazy dog racing, horseback archery, and horse taming. The event grounds at the Burkit Tobe site featured 50 traditional yurts, creating a centralized hub for a cultural fair that highlighted the lifestyle of Central Asian hunters. Total participation reached 228 individuals when including Tazy dog breeders alongside the bird hunters.

International Field and Cultural Institutionalization

The inaugural cup saw an international field of 176 eagle hunters representing Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Russia, China, Hungary, Spain, Georgia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This diverse turnout signals the tournament’s transition from a local gathering—founded as a regional festival in 2021—into a structured international sport.

The timing of the Open Asian Falconry Cup aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to gain international recognition for its traditional hunting methods. The country has submitted a separate nomination for “Salburyn”—the traditional collective hunting method—for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with a decision expected in late 2026.

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