History
Audaryspak, also known as Oodarysh/Eňish, is a well-liked traditional sport among the Turkic people of Central Asia (Turkestan). This may be described as "wrestling on horseback." It has a long history and has been the main traditional sport that has continued to be played actively up to this day. It had a militaristic character in the past. The Turkic peoples were originally individualist clan peoples. Tribalism, not national consciousness, was elevated by this way of life. More than fifty nations were formed by Turks, sixteen of which were historical empires. But they deposed those states on their own. This ancient way of life was referred to as "horse-nomadic" or "horse-steppe" culture in Turkey. Their greatest horse-riding wrestlers, known as eňishchi, would engage in combat in the midst of the two groups when these horse-riding Turkish tribes and states were lined up in battle order. They would do this without using any weapons like swords, bayonets, arrows, etc. Most of the time, the conflict would conclude without any bloodshed in this manner: the state or tribe whose wrestler took the other's horse down would be declared the winner.
Rules
The game is played by two strong rivals, either men or women, who are skilled at horse riding. In the competition, they come face to face under a referee’s supervision, and they challenge each other to knock each other to the ground from horseback. The one who can touch one of their rival’s limbs to the ground while still on horseback wins the game, while the other loses.
The game is played on a 50 x 50 meter field with a 20-meter safety area between the wrestling circle and the audience. A 10-meter diameter circle is drawn in the middle. Competitors are matched by weight categories (55-70 kg, 71-80 kg, and 81 kg+). Three referees oversee the match: two gazebo referees (one observes and one records results) and one scorekeeper referee. Each match lasts ten minutes, with a five-minute overtime if needed. Competitors wear colored belts and headbands (red and blue) and hand them to the field referee upon entering. Referees wear light-colored clothes. Jewelry is not allowed. Horses must have specific saddling gear, and whips are not permitted. Participants must be over 18, with no upper age limit, and their horse must be at least five years old. Illegal moves include hitting sensitive areas, twisting fingers and arms, using offensive language, and interfering with the horse or reins, leading to disqualification. Permitted moves include holding and pulling any part of the rival except for the mouth, nose, and eyes, and leaning on their own or their opponent’s horse when necessary.
