A large alaman ulak recently took place in the Uzgen district, resulting in one person dead and another seriously injured.
The accidents were not directly related to the game. One occurred when a rider fell off a cliff by the Jazy River, where he had gone to water his horse and drowned. The second incident happened when a spectator, attempting to drive up a mountain in a car, lost control of the vehicle, which rolled down and caused injuries to the driver.
Nevertheless, these events raise questions about safety during the national game.
Transition to strict rules: ban on hooks and sticks for players
In August 2025, the "Alaman ulak" federation was established in Kyrgyzstan. The chief referee of the federation, Melis Bektashev, noted that unlike kok-boru, where teams play, in alaman ulak each participant acts individually, and the number of players can exceed one hundred. Previously, the rules were not strict, leading to conflicts when players ran off the field and damaged parked cars, as well as fought among themselves due to the lack of referees.
"Many conflicts arose because some players used prohibited techniques, such as lifting the carcass with hooks or ropes. To restore order in the game, the federation was created," Bektashev said.
According to him, now at every alaman ulak, at least two referees appointed by the federation must be present.
"The event organizer must send us a letter indicating the date and location of the event so that we can monitor the game," he added.
Additionally, organizers must notify local law enforcement about the need for security and medical facilities about the allocation of an ambulance crew.
The rules also pertain to the treatment of horses: hitting them on the head is prohibited. In the event of an animal falling, the referee immediately stops the game to help the horse get up.
"If a player with the carcass continues to play and throws the carcass into the circle, the point will not be counted," the chief referee explained.
New racetrack near Manas Airport and 50 hectares of land for the game
The recent alaman ulak in Uzgen took place near the highway and created difficulties for drivers due to the large number of cars on the roadside.
Melis Bektashev reported that they were promised 50 hectares of land near Manas Airport for the construction of a new racetrack.
"After the construction is completed, major ulak tartysh will be held here, as well as games according to a pre-established schedule for each region," he added. The federation plans to organize playing fields for alaman ulak in each region.
The chief referee noted that some participants still violate the rules and behave unacceptably during the game.
"However, since the federation was established, order has been observed. Referees are respected, and players receive red cards for gross violations and yellow cards for minor ones," he emphasized.
For example, a player who receives a red card may be suspended from games for a period of one month to one year and will not be able to participate in games throughout the country.
About 20 major alaman ulaks take place during the season. The games start in November and are held twice a week, usually continuing until March, with limited hours — from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cost of maintaining a horse for participation in alaman ulak
Elburs, a resident of Bishkek, has been actively participating in alaman ulak for over ten years. He shared that he keeps a horse in a stable outside the city.
"I live in Bishkek, but I have a stable where I take care of the horse I participate with in the games," he said.
Participation in alaman ulak requires significant expenses: transporting the horse to the game location and back costs 2000 soms, and feed costs about 15,000 soms per month.
It is also necessary to purchase equipment, such as boots and a special headgear, as well as preferably protective gear.
From November to March, Elburs is almost never free on weekends, as he participates in at least two games.
This is my passion. I don’t win anything special, but I enjoy the participation itself and the excitement that is hard to describe in words.
Elburs, alaman ulak player
According to Elburs, alaman ulak also provides an opportunity to make new friends and acquaintances.
"Wherever I play, there is no division between my own and others. Anyone can come and participate with us," he noted.
