Recently, a major tournament in alaman ulak took place in the Uzgen district, resulting in one person dead and another seriously injured.
The accidents were unrelated to the game itself. The first incident occurred at the Jazy River, where a rider who came to water his horse fell off a cliff and drowned. The second case involved a spectator who lost control while trying to drive up a hill, causing his vehicle to roll down, resulting in severe injuries to the driver.
These incidents sparked discussions about safety issues related to the national game.
Strict measures: ban on the use of hooks and sticks
In August 2025, the "Alaman ulak" federation was established in Kyrgyzstan. The chief judge of the federation, Melis Bektašev, noted that unlike kok-boru, where two teams compete, in alaman ulak each player acts individually, leading to the participation of over a hundred people. Previously, the game was played without clear rules, often resulting in conflicts among players, property damage, and even fights on the field.
“Conflicts often arose due to the use of prohibited techniques, such as lifting the carcass with sticks or hooks. We created the federation to bring order to the game,” Bektašev explained.
Now, the presence of at least two judges appointed by the federation is mandatory during alaman ulak events.
“Organizers must send us a request indicating the date and location of the event so that we can oversee the game,” he added.
Additionally, organizers are required to notify local law enforcement about the need for security and to call an ambulance in case of emergencies.
New rules for horse care have also been established: striking the horse on the head is prohibited, and if the animal falls, the judge will immediately stop the game to assist it in getting back up.
“If a player possessing the carcass continues to ride and ignores the judge's instructions, the point will not be counted,” the chief judge clarified.
New racetrack near "Manas": a venue for games under rules
The recent alaman ulak in Uzgen took place near the highway, causing inconvenience for drivers due to the accumulation of cars on the roadside.
According to Melis Bektašev, they were promised around 50 hectares of land near Manas Airport for the construction of a new racetrack.
“Once the construction is completed, major and minor tournaments will take place there according to the game schedule for each region,” the interlocutor added.
The federation plans to create playing fields in every region.
The chief judge noted that some players still violate the rules, acting inappropriately in the heat of passion.
“Nevertheless, compared to how things were before the federation was established, there is now order. Players obey the judges, and red cards are issued for serious violations, while yellow cards are for minor ones,” he emphasizes.
For example, a player who receives a red card may be suspended from games for a period ranging from one month to a year, and this restriction applies throughout the country.
About 20 major alaman ulaks take place during the season, with games starting in November and held twice a week. They usually continue until March, with time restrictions from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The financial aspect: the cost of maintaining a horse for alaman ulak
Elburs, a resident of Bishkek, has been actively participating in alaman ulak near the capital for over ten years.
“I live in Bishkek, but I have a shed outside the city where I keep a horse for participating in the games,” he shares.
Participating in the game is not a cheap pleasure. For example, just transporting horses to and from the game site costs 2000 soms, and horse feed amounts to about 15000 soms per month.
It is also necessary to purchase equipment: boots, a special headgear, and preferably protective gear.
From November to March, Elburs is not available on weekends, as he participates in at least two games.
“This is my hobby. I don't win anything special, but I enjoy participating, the excitement that is hard to put into words,” says Elburs.
Elburs, alaman ulak player
According to Elburs, ulak is also an opportunity to make new acquaintances and friends.
“At the games, there is no division between 'us' and 'them.' Anyone can come and participate,” he adds.
