Pakistan Shines at World Nomad Games 2026 With Four Bronze Medals

Pakistan has made a strong impression at the World Nomad Games 2026, securing four bronze medals in traditional sports including tug of war and mas-wrestling. The achievement highlights the growing presence of Pakistani athletes in international traditional sporting competitions and provides another moment of pride for the country’s sports community.

The sixth edition of the World Nomad Games was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, bringing together athletes competing in traditional sports that reflect the cultural heritage and sporting traditions of nomadic communities. Pakistan’s contingent participated in several disciplines, including equestrian sports, mas-wrestling, tug of war and archery.

Pakistan Claims Two Tug-of-War Bronze Medals

Two of Pakistan’s four medals came in tug of war, where the country’s athletes faced strong international competition.

In the 11X tug-of-war event, Pakistani athlete Tayyab Raza Awan delivered an impressive performance during the competition. He defeated competitors from Russia, Georgia and the United Kingdom before facing an Iranian opponent in the third-place contest. Awan won that match to secure a bronze medal for Pakistan.

Pakistan also secured a bronze medal in the 88X team tug-of-war competition. The team competed against several international sides, including India, the United Kingdom, Russia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Brazil and Georgia.

The Pakistani squad eventually defeated Iran in the bronze-medal match, earning another place on the podium and adding to the country’s medal tally.

Mas-Wrestling Adds Two More Medals

Pakistan’s success continued in mas-wrestling, with athletes winning two additional bronze medals.

Muhammad Asim claimed a bronze medal in the 90kg category after defeating an Iranian wrestler in a closely contested medal bout. His performance added another international achievement to Pakistan’s campaign at the Games.

In the women’s competition, Iqra Naseeb secured another bronze medal in the 90kg-plus category. Her achievement was particularly significant as it added to Pakistan’s representation and success in traditional combat sports at the international event.

Traditional Sports Put Pakistan in the Spotlight

The World Nomad Games are centered around traditional sports and cultural heritage. Events featured at the competition include traditional wrestling, archery, horse-related competitions and tug of war, making the Games different from conventional multi-sport events.

For Pakistan, participation provides an opportunity to showcase sporting disciplines that have deep connections with strength, endurance, physical skill and traditional competition.

The country’s four-medal campaign also demonstrates the potential of Pakistani athletes in sports beyond the country’s more widely followed disciplines such as cricket, hockey and squash.

Support for Pakistan’s Participation

The Pakistan Sports Board supported the Pakistan Traditional Sports Federation in facilitating the country’s participation in the 2026 World Nomad Games. Following the athletes’ performances, the President, Prime Minister and Pakistan Sports Board congratulated the medal winners and organizers for representing the country at the international level.

Pakistan’s contingent also contributed to the cultural side of the event. The team introduced kite flying, demonstrating the traditional activity in Kyrgyzstan and adding another element of Pakistani cultural representation to the Games.

A Positive Moment for Pakistani Sports

Winning four bronze medals at an international event gives Pakistan another encouraging result in traditional sports. The performances of Tayyab Raza Awan, Muhammad Asim, Iqra Naseeb and the team tug-of-war squad underline the importance of providing athletes with opportunities to compete internationally.

The results can also help generate greater attention toward mas-wrestling, tug of war and other traditional sports in Pakistan.

As the country continues to explore opportunities across different sporting disciplines, performances at events such as the World Nomad Games can help broaden Pakistan’s international sporting profile.

The four-medal haul from Kyrgyzstan is therefore not only a numerical achievement but also a reflection of the determination and competitive spirit of Pakistani athletes on the global stage.