The Korea Nomad Sports Association (KNSA), led by Chairman Seo Jin-young, has officially launched its international initiatives after receiving approval for incorporation from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. With this legal status, the association has established a credible operational foundation as the official representative body of South Korea for the "World Nomad Games," the world's largest traditional sports festival sponsored by UNESCO.
The KNSA recently announced that it received its certificate of incorporation from the City of Seoul in late March. This follows a memorandum of understanding signed last November with the World Nomad Games International Secretariat in Kyrgyzstan, designating the KNSA as the official national representative. The new legal status is expected to accelerate collaborations with domestic and international organizations, as well as the mission to dispatch national delegations.
The World Nomad Games, which debuted in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, is an international cultural and sporting event often referred to as the "Olympics of Traditional Culture." It features a blend of traditional nomadic sports—such as wrestling, archery, horse racing, and martial arts—alongside traditional intellectual board games like 'Mancala' and 'Oware.' Supported by UNESCO, the games have become a premier culture-based international sports event involving over 100 countries.
Marking its official incorporation, the association will now focus on preparations for the 6th World Nomad Games, scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 6, 2026. This upcoming event is projected to be the largest in history, with over 5,000 athletes from more than 100 countries expected to participate.
In addition to overseeing the selection and dispatch of the South Korean national team, the KNSA plans to launch promotional projects that integrate K-Culture—including beauty and performances—with traditional sports. This strategy aims to spark a "Hallyu" (Korean Wave) boom across Central Asia and elevate the status of Korean traditional sports.
"This incorporation by the Seoul Metropolitan Government signifies that nomad sports have been recognized both as a formal lifestyle sport and as a core content for international cultural exchange," stated Chairman Seo Jin-young. “By combining K-Culture with traditional sports, we will take the lead in expanding Korea’s cultural territory on the international stage, starting with Central Asia.”
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