Kokpar returns to Kazakhstan with changed rulesCEFR A1
12 Oct 2025
Adapted from Vlast.kz, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ivan Oleynikov, Unsplash
Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
90 words
- Kokpar is a traditional Central Asian horseback game.
- The game is returning to public life in Kazakhstan.
- Ten men on Karabair horses chase a leather sack.
- Riders try to put the sack in a tai kazan.
- Organisers now use a 25-kilo dummy instead of a carcass.
- Teams are three-a-side and the field is smaller.
- Goals are softer and sometimes made of hay.
- The sport is fast and still very dangerous.
- A player in Kyrgyzstan died earlier this year.
- Clubs share videos and one has over 50,000 followers.
Difficult words
- game — A sport or activity for fun.
- play — To engage in an activity for enjoyment.played
- player — A person taking part in a game.Players
- horse — A large animal used for riding.horses
- score — To gain points in a game.
- goat — A farm animal with horns that is often kept for milk.
- popular — Liked or enjoyed by many people.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What is your favorite game to play?
- Why do you think Kokpar is popular in Kazakhstan?
- Have you ever played a game with animals?
- What makes a game fun for you?
Related articles
30 Aug 2025
8 Dec 2025
1 Jan 2026
Table tennis players plant trees to help Safashahr
In Safashahr a local table tennis association links sport and nature. Players, families and residents planted drought‑resistant trees and ran volunteer campaigns to help a worsening water crisis. The group plans further action with local authorities.
25 Jul 2025
9 Nov 2025