From Asyk Atu to digital technologies: Astana will host the international ETHNOPHYGITAL ASTANA 2026

On August 4 in Astana, as part of the "Games of the Future – 2026", a unique event will take place: ETHNOPHYGITAL ASTANA 2026 "Ұлы дала коды. Code of the Great Steppe", where the national traditions of Kazakhstan will meet new-generation digital technologies.

The event is organized by the Kazakh National University of Sports and the Academy of Ethnophygital Development. The project will serve as an international platform uniting national sports, cultural heritage, modern digital formats, and interactive audience participation.

At the heart of the event's concept is ethnophygital, a new format in which traditional disciplines receive a modern digital extension. Each participant goes through two interconnected stages: first, they complete a task in a digital or interactive environment, and then they demonstrate their skills in a real-world athletic, intellectual, or creative challenge. The final result is determined by the sum of both stages, preserving the authenticity of national traditions while making them understandable and attractive to the new generation.

Over the course of three hours, guests can expect a rich program that combines sports, culture, technology, and entertainment.

Three main directions of ETHNOPHYGITAL ASTANA 2026

EthnoPhygital Asyq – a modern interpretation of the Kazakh national game asyq atu. Participants first complete a digital accuracy challenge, followed by real asyq throws. The points from both stages are combined into a single result.

Digital Togyzqumalaq – an intellectual discipline combining digital gameplay with classic matches on a traditional board. Beginners will be able to learn about the history and rules of one of the oldest strategic games of the Great Steppe, while experienced players will participate in a dynamic blitz tournament.

EthnoPhygital Dance – a dance discipline that connects national choreography with digital technologies. Wearing national costumes, participants will replicate elements of traditional Kazakh dance and undergo an interactive digital challenge, where movement becomes part of a modern technological game.

ETHNOPHYGITAL ASTANA 2026 will bring together students, young athletes, representatives of sports federations, cultural and youth organizations, digital projects, bloggers, international experts, and media representatives.

The project demonstrates that national heritage can become part of the future by preserving its traditions while simultaneously revealing itself through modern technologies. This approach lies at the core of the new international concept of ethnophygital, where culture, sports, and the digital environment become a unified space for communication, competition, and creativity.

Venue: Kazakh National University of Sports, 15 Karkaraly St. Starts at 14:00.

Media Accreditation:

Aigul Daulybay, +7 701 136 02 77

Konstantin Balaganskiy, +7 950 032-30-32 (until August 3)