The World Nomad Games have captured the imagination of foreign tourists.

The fifth World Nomad Games became a center of attraction this week, attracting people from around the world to witness traditional nomadic competitions. According to Kazinform, many were inspired to explore Kazakhstan's rich nomadic heritage and even create art based on their experiences.

French journalist Lucas Pueillo is working with two colleagues on a documentary about Kazakhstan's nomadic culture, which they plan to complete by the end of 2024. The team was impressed by the country's nomadic traditions and the vast Kazakh steppe. They immersed themselves in the local culture, sampling traditional dishes such as beshbarmak, horse meat, cheeses, and some dairy products they had never tried before.

American writer and journalist Will Grant, who competed in the Games as a member of the US kokpar team, plans to write a book about Kazakh horses. In 2023, he published "The Last Ride of the Pony Express," about his unique adventure, during which he traveled over 3,200 kilometers on horseback in 2019.

Grant plans to return to Kazakhstan in March 2025 to study the history of the relationship between humans and horses, beginning with the first humans to ride horses. He will also explore neighboring countries—Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic—and aims to complete his book within three years.

Two photojournalists from the Netherlands came to Astana specifically for the Games, planning to publish photos on their websites, but were so impressed by the hospitality that they decided to learn more about Kazakhstan.

Agnieszka Kuran from Warsaw, visiting Kazakhstan for the first time, praised the level of organization and the opening ceremony, calling it “above world class.”

"The fact that you're still continuing to develop this cultural aspect that's thousands of years old and trying to promote it again is just amazing," she said.

Gwen, a visitor from Sydney, Australia, was also impressed by the Games, particularly the traditional equestrian sports and the multicultural aspect of the event. She praised the high-tech presentations and noted the impressive performances.

Lesley Salt from England was struck by the beauty and purity of Astana, describing it as unlike anything she had ever seen before. She found the historical and cultural aspects of the Games particularly engaging.

Richard Belger from the UK described his first visit to Kazakhstan as "a very pleasant surprise." Although his stay in Astana was short, he was impressed by the city's modernity and the excellent organization of the Games.

Kristina Dolgilevitsa, editor-in-chief of a UK-based archery magazine, is also a shooter and coach in the sport. She recently discovered that she is 41% Kazakh and is a fan of Kazakhstan. She believes the country has the potential to host more international sporting events thanks to its vast expanses and welcoming nature.

Karl Borufka, an Austrian journalist and travel blogger, attended the Nomad Games as his first major international event. He was particularly interested in the zhamby atu and audaryspak competitions. He was pleasantly surprised by the Kazakh hospitality, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere.

Natalie Karnigertschik from Germany, who previously worked for China Global Television Network, praised the cultural diversity and ethnic sports at the Games, emphasizing their importance for understanding Central Asian culture. She was also impressed by the kokpar competitions, which she described as exciting and unique.

Anatoly Kaciuk, a journalist with the Moldovan National Radio, was particularly impressed by Kazakhstan's ability to harmonize modernity with tradition. He noted that Kazakhstan is often associated with the steppe, but during his visit to Astana, he saw a metropolis that perfectly integrates traditional culture, especially noticeably during the opening ceremony.

The World Nomad Games became an unexpected honeymoon destination for a Scottish couple who decided to celebrate their wedding in Astana. It was their first trip to Central Asia, and ten days later they visited Burabay. They were amazed by the warmth of the people, the architecture, and the natural beauty of Kazakhstan.

"We don't have anything like this in Europe, so experiencing it here in Kazakhstan is truly incredible," they shared, citing kokpar as the most exciting event, while archery and zhamby atu competitions also left a strong impression.