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On October 20–21, 2025, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, the 2nd Traditional Sports Games of the Organization of Turkic States – Turkic Universities Union were held with great enthusiasm.

The program was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bishkek Mekin Mustafa Kemal Ökem; Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan Latif Seyfaddin Oğlu Gandilov; Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Askaraly Madaminov; TRNC Representative in Bishkek Tahir Osman Tahir; Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan; Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev; Rector of Kırklareli University Prof. Dr. Rengin Ak; Rector of Bishkek State University Prof. Dr. Mirlan Dyldaev; KTMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. İsmet Altıntaş and Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov; Secretary General Dr. Fatih Ramazan İstanbullugil; as well as numerous academics, association heads, media representatives, and students.

Athletes of the Turkic World Gathered at Manas University

The 2nd Traditional Sports Games at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University began with a vibrant event that celebrated the rich heritage of Turkic culture and turned traditional sports into an unforgettable festival.

This meaningful event, which strengthened the bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and culture among the Turkic World, brought together athletes from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts, Halil Dosmuhamedov Atyrau State University, Kuseyin Karasaev Bishkek State University, Fırat University, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Istanbul University, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi International Turk-Kazakh University, Yusuf Balasagun Kyrgyz National University, Batyraly Sydykov International Kyrgyz-Uzbek University, Korkut Ata Kyzylorda State University, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Osh State University, and Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

The opening ceremony continued at the Traditional Sports Games Square with impressive artistic performances titled “The History of Traditional Sports.” The stage shows, and rhythmic music offered the audience a vivid experience of the spirit of Turkic warriors and the magnificence of ancestral sports.

Scenes enriched with Kız Kuumay (chasing game), Er Sayış, and melodies of the komuz and jetigen reflected the deep-rooted culture and unifying spirit of the Turkic World, allowing the audience to feel the timeless depth of this traditional heritage.

Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan: “The Youth of the Turkic World Gathered Under the Unifying Wings of Manas”

In his opening speech at the 2nd Traditional Sports Games of the Organization of Turkic States – Turkic Universities Union, Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized the unity, solidarity, and shared cultural values of the Turkic World.

Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated: “We have gathered here at Manas University under the unifying wings of our ancestor Manas. Here, we represent all the universities of the Turkic World under one roof,” highlighting the symbolic importance of Manas University as a meeting point for the youth of the Turkic World.

Referring to the ideas of the great writer Chyngyz Aitmatov, Rector Ceylan said: “Aitmatov reminds us, ‘Do not become mankurts.’ Because when a person abandons their essence and culture, they become a mankurt. Protect your essence, your culture. As Aitmatov also said, ‘Who would have thought that one day a university of the Turkic World would be established on this steppe, and that the youth of the Turkic World would study together under one roof?’ I wish Aitmatov could have witnessed this meaningful day; however, we believe that his spirit is with us today.”

Referring to the words of Bilge Kağan, Prof. Dr. Ceylan delivered an important message to the youth about preserving cultural identity: “As long as the blue sky above does not collapse and the dark earth below does not crack, who can destroy your state and your traditions? Dear youth, you are here to protect your nation, your customs, and your culture. Traditional sports are the meeting point of culture and sport; it is our shared responsibility to keep our culture alive at this intersection.”

At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Ceylan reminded the audience that the 13th Traditional Sports Games Symposium will be hosted by Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University on October 30–31, 2025, and emphasized the commitment of the Turkic World to preserving its common values in the fields of science, culture, and sports.

Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev: “With the Strength Drawn from Our Deep-Rooted Past, Our Youth Will Build Our Future”

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Rector of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev emphasized the common heritage of the Turkic peoples, the responsibility of the youth to carry this heritage into the future, and the unifying power of sports.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ibraev stated: “We are ancient Turkic peoples with a deep-rooted history. The role of our youth in strengthening our spiritual unity and consolidating our relations is of great importance.” Highlighting the significance of preserving cultural identity, he added: “We must never forget our own culture, language, and traditions. In this era of technological advancement, we must hold even more tightly to our roots and customs.”

Emphasizing the importance of sports in personal development and character building, Prof. Dr. Ibraev said: “Sport is a universal value that strengthens one’s character, willpower, and perseverance. Most importantly, I wish all of you, dear athletes, a fair and honorable competition based on the spirit of true sportsmanship.”

Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences of the KTMU Prof. Dr. Cıparkül Abdırahmanova highlighted that the purpose of the Traditional Sports Games is to strengthen international friendship and instill national values and a spirit of unity among young people. Prof. Dr. Abdırahmanova noted that a total of 15 universities from three member countries of the Organization of Turkic States — Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — participated in the 2nd Traditional Sports Games. The event brought together 85 female and 124 male athletes, as well as 28 coaches and team managers. She also underlined that among the participants were accomplished athletes who had achieved success in international competitions.

Prof. Dr. Abdırahmanova emphasized that all sports facilities were meticulously prepared to ensure that the competitions were held at the highest standards, and that the most experienced referees in the country were appointed to guarantee that all matches were conducted fairly and in accordance with international rules.

Following the official opening ceremony, competitions in Kokboru and Salbuurun were held at the Traditional Sports Games Square of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. Throughout the event, competitions in Toguz Korgool, Mangala, Alysh Wrestling, Shalvar Wrestling, Mas-Wrestling, Kyrgyz Wrestling, and Traditional Archery continued over two days with great excitement and enthusiasm.

The 2nd Traditional Sports Games Concluded in the Spirit of Friendship and Solidarity

The closing ceremony was held in a magnificent atmosphere at the Kasym Tynystanov Conference Hall of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Organization of Turkic States – Turkic Universities Union, university administration, athletes, academics, students, and numerous guests.

Before the award ceremony, the final declaration of the event was announced by Prof. Dr. Cıparkül Abdırahmanova, Chair of the Organizing Committee, Chief Referee, and Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

Prof. Dr. Abdırahmanova expressed her gratitude to all participants and stated: “I sincerely congratulate everyone on the successful completion of the 2nd Traditional Sports Games, organized in cooperation with the Organization of Turkic States – Turkic Universities Union. This meaningful event stood out as an exemplary organization conducted at an international level under fair competition conditions.”

Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev also thanked all participants and emphasized the significance of the event: “The main goal of this event is to strengthen solidarity and mutual relations among the students of the Turkic nations. The slogan of our university is ‘More Than Just a University.’ Our aim is not only to provide education and conduct scientific research but also to work closely with society and the youth. Through such cultural and sporting activities, we encourage our young people to engage in sports and to preserve our cultural heritage.”

During the closing ceremony, certificates of appreciation and medals were presented by Manas University to the presidents of traditional sports federations. The magnificent event concluded with a group photo.

As a platform where culture and sports come together, this comprehensive organization made a significant contribution to strengthening the bonds among the youth of the Turkic World and preserving their shared values.

As Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, we continue to keep alive our deep-rooted heritage that extends from the past to the future through our ancestral sports, while strengthening the spirit of unity and solidarity together.