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Jackson resident Scott Zimmerman makes a striking Wyoming cowboy with his wide-brim hat and goatee, but the local property manager and father of four’s true passion is the central Asian sport of kokpar.
“It is by far the most physical game that I know of. It’s also the most dangerous game,” said Zimmerman.
Kokpar and a related game from neighboring Kyrgyzstan called kok boru feature players on horseback maneuvering a headless goat carcass into the opposing team’s goal. Some say the sport originated with Ghengis Khan in the 13th century; others say it is even older.
International audiences may be familiar with the Afgan version of the sport, buzkashi, featured in the 1988 Hollywood blockbuster Rambo.
Forty-four-year-old Zimmerman has been playing this ancient equestrian sport for about a decade. Though originally from Michigan, Zimmerman has worked on ranches in Wyoming and quickly learned his way around horses. He enjoys the physical challenge and competition of kokpar just as much as the cultural exchange.
“We do consider ourselves to be athletes, but we also are diplomats. It’s sport diplomacy that we’re partaking in,” said Zimmerman.
Eighty-nine countries participated in the 2024 games. In addition to equestrian sports, there are various types of wrestling, falconry, and archery. Most of the athletes are men.
Physical therapist and Jackson resident Hayden Hilke is one of just a handful of women involved in the competition.
“It is very machismo behind the scenes. And so oftentimes I was the only woman,” said Hilke.
She was accepted as an equal among the American team, but her involvement was usual for some athletes from other countries. Hilke serves as the team’s trainer and is the sole medical personnel.
Busted eyes, torn biceps, and concussions are a few of the common injuries for kokpar players.
“It’s a combative sport. It takes a lot of energy and a lot of stamina and a lot of mobility. Not to mention strength and power,” Hilke said. “So it’s not enough to just get in the weight room and sprint train. You’ve got to really think through using power, through using stored elastic energy, through being durable and being able to withstand hits from not only people but horses.”
Zimmerman said the danger inherent in the sport is one of the factors that makes recruiting team members challenging.
“We struggle finding people to commit. A lot of guys don’t want to risk it. You know, we’ve been trying to find rodeo guys just because they can ride, just because, usually, they’re risk takers,” said Zimmerman.
Jackson resident Garrett Edington was one of those risk-takers. He participated in competitions in 2018 and 2022; this year, he sat out.
“I’ve seen guys get legs broken. Concussions. Split their skull open. And they continue to compete. That takes a particular drive. And in looking at my son and my wife, that ship is out to sea,” said Edington.
When the U.S. first became involved in the World Nomad Games in 2014 the team was entirely from Jackson. But this year, the eight-person team had players from Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The athletes aren’t able to practice together before traveling and competing together.
The U.S. State Department helps cover some of their costs, subsidizing airfare and travel expenses.
Zimmerman says the odds were not in Team USA’s favor for their first match of the 2024 games.
“We drew the short stick and played the host country of Kazakhstan, the best kokpar team in the world,” said Zimmerman.
It wasn’t an easy match—or a friendly one.
“They were very aggressive, more aggressive than they needed to be, considering we are not a threat to anyone’s gameplay. We are not considered a medal contender. We are not considered anything. You know, we are in our infancy of playing this game,” said Zimmerman.
Meanwhile, the host country Kazakhstan cleaned the clock, walking away with 112 medals at the end of the games. That’s nearly twice the total from their main rival Kyrgyzstan. Russia placed third.
The next chance to compete for nomadic sports glory is in 2026—and Team USA is accepting applications for athletes.
