By:- Shakeel Ur Rehman
ISLAMABAD: The return of the World Nomad Games to Kyrgyzstan, billed as a major celebration of nomadic culture and traditional sports, has been overshadowed by controversy after Pakistani sports journalists announced a boycott of the event, citing administrative failures, broken commitments and inadequate media arrangements.
The journalists had planned extensive coverage of the 6th World Nomad Games, including traditional disciplines such as Kok-Boru, horseback archery, Mas-wrestling and Toguz Korgool, while also highlighting Kyrgyzstan’s culture, hospitality and tourism attractions.
However, according to the affected media representatives, commitments concerning press accreditation, accommodation, meals, transportation and dedicated media facilities were not fulfilled. They said the accreditation process was marked by delays and bureaucratic hurdles, while promised logistical support was either withdrawn or remained unavailable as the event approached.
Complaint to AIPS
The journalists have also decided to lodge a formal complaint with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), seeking international attention to what they described as unprofessional treatment and poor media facilitation by the organising committee.
They said the issue was not simply about individual inconvenience but about the professional standards expected at a major international sporting event involving athletes, officials and journalists from numerous countries.
The Pakistani media fraternity has also announced a boycott of the Pakistan Traditional Games Association (PTGA), led by Nawab Furqan, alleging that the association failed to adequately intervene on behalf of Pakistani journalists and instead supported the organisers’ position.
Pakistani Athletes Affected
The controversy comes as Pakistan prepares to participate with a contingent of more than 80 athletes in traditional and strength-based competitions. The team, led by Chef de Mission Aurangzeb Mubashar, also known as “Oz,” is expected to compete in traditional archery, tent pegging, arm wrestling, tug of war and strongman events.
Journalists said the boycott was particularly unfortunate because Pakistani athletes had spent months preparing for the competition and deserved proper coverage of their performances and achievements.
The World Nomad Games are intended to promote cultural exchange, sporting excellence and friendship among nations. The Pakistani journalists said the reported failures in media arrangements had instead created frustration and raised questions about the event’s organisational preparedness.
They maintained that international sporting events must provide professional, transparent and equal treatment to accredited media representatives, adding that fulfilling commitments to journalists is essential to ensuring successful global coverage of such events.
