Kokpar returns to Kazakhstan with changed rulesCEFR A2
12 Oct 2025
Adapted from Vlast.kz, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ivan Oleynikov, Unsplash
A post by Albert Otkjaer first appeared in Vlast.kz on September 18, 2025 and highlights kokpar matches outside Almaty. Organisers in Kazakhstan changed some elements to meet modern standards. Daniyar Daukey shortened the field, reduced teams to three-a-side and uses hay goals instead of concrete.
The traditional goat carcass is now a 25-kilo dummy and the official Kazakh version even allows scoring by drawing a circle on the field. Matches attract interest online and from visitors. Players and experts say the sport is still dangerous and injuries are common. A player in Kyrgyzstan died earlier this year, the third such fatality in seven years.
Difficult words
- game — An activity with rules for fun or competition.
- horseback — Sitting on a horse while riding.
- score — To earn points in a game.
- point — A unit for measuring success in games.points
- injury — Harm to the body.injuries
- player — A person who takes part in a game.players
- traditional — Relating to customs from the past.
- competitive — Involving rivalry or contest.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the game changed over time?
- How does wearing safety gear help players?
- What other traditional games can you think of?
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