History

The Turkmen people, with a history spanning 5,000 years, have established numerous states and empires, leaving an indelible mark on world civilization. Despite their inherent peacefulness and tolerance, they often had to defend their homeland and independence. Living in challenging natural conditions, the ancestors of the Turkmens developed strong physical and psychological resilience. This was achieved through a system of games and sports exercises integral to their folk pedagogy. These games were not merely for entertainment but were designed to prepare the younger generation for adulthood, teaching essential skills for daily life, hunting, and warfare. Among these ancient games was 'chilik-hekgal,' resembling modern golf, which taught mastery of the stick as both a tool and weapon. The game served as a preparatory activity for hunting and combat, ensuring that the people remained adept and ready for any challenges.

Rules

In 'chilik-hekgal,' players used a long stick, approximately seventy centimeters, and a smaller sharpened stick called 'chilik.' The game was played on a field with a circle drawn on the ground, ten meters in diameter, with stones or a hole inside serving as the target. Players from one team would attempt to hit the 'chilik' with their stick, aiming to send it as far as possible. If the 'chilik' was caught by the opposing team, they would win the match and switch roles. If not, the opposing team would pick up the 'chilik' and try to hit the target within the circle. The game required accuracy, coordination, and strategy, as missing the target four times in a row resulted in penalty points. This game, more than a thousand years old, shares similarities with modern sports like golf and hockey, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and ingenuity of the Turkmen people.