Togyzqumalaq Togyzqumalaq (тоғызқұмалақ), one of the most popular traditional intellectual games of Central Asia, is recognized as a national game of Kazakhstan and is also known as Toguz Korgool (Тогуз коргоол) in Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, Togyzqumalaq has rapidly grown in global popularity and is now considered one of the fastest-growing ethnosports in the world. It has even been integrated into school programs across several Central Asian countries.
The word “Togyz” means nine in Kazakh, symbolizing the cultural and mythological significance of the number nine among Central Asian peoples, including the Kazakhs. Historically, the number was considered auspicious, which is reflected in the structure and rules of the game.
Togyzqumalaq has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination, titled “Toguz Korgool / Toguz Kumalak / Mangala / Göçürme: The Traditional Game of Strategy and Intelligence,” was jointly submitted by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey through the World Ethnosport Confederation. During UNESCO’s 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (14–19 December 2020), Togyzqumalaq was formally recognized and added to the list.
The game is played by two players using 162 stones/balls on a board featuring two rows of nine holes. Each hole starts with nine stones. Players take turns distributing stones and aim to collect as many as possible in their kazna (storage pit). Strategy, intelligence, and foresight are key elements of the game.
In Bangladesh, Togyzqumalaq was introduced under the leadership of sports enthusiast Md Al Mamun, through the International Ethnosport Bangladesh Association. The Association secured affiliation from the World Togyzqumalaq Federation, Kazakhstan and the International Federation of Mancala Games, Kyrgyzstan, enabling Bangladesh to participate in the 2nd World Nomad Games 2016 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Bangladesh has since represented the country in several major Togyzqumalaq events: the Nomad Universe International Ethno Festival 2019, held during the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. the 6th World Togyzqumalaq (Ethnosport) Championship 2022, held in Aktobe, Kazakhstan (20–28 November 2022). the World School Togyzqumalaq Championship 2023 (U-15 & U-17), held in Almaty, Kazakhstan (20–25 September 2023). Continuing this mission, the International Ethnosport Bangladesh Association is actively promoting Togyzqumalaq across Bangladesh through training camps, seminars, and national competitions, aiming to expand the game’s reach among students and young athletes nationwide.
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