Ep 5. Kok Boru

In the fifth episode of Home Game season 1, titled Kok Boru, viewers are taken to Kyrgyzstan to witness the ancestral sport of "buzkashi" or "kok boru" - a game played on horseback, where two teams battle with a goat carcass.

The episode provides an in-depth look at a sport that is not commonly known outside of Central Asia. The game of kok boru is a mix of polo, rugby, and wrestling, where two teams of horsemen, known as "jangys", compete to carry a headless goat carcass (or kok) and score a goal by throwing it into the opposing team's goalpost.

The episode starts by introducing viewers to the history of the game and the culture behind the sport. The game has been played for centuries and holds a special place in Kyrgyzstan's history and culture. The game was used by warriors to train for battle and demonstrate their physical and mental strength.

Throughout the episode, the viewers are introduced to the game's rules, with detailed explanations of how players can handle the kok, the most effective tactics to use, and how the game's scoring system works. We're introduced to the current stars of the sport and see their daily routine and training regime, which includes everything from calisthenics to wrestling practice.

One of the highlights of the episode is when we get to watch a live match. We see the passion and intensity of the players, the skill and maneuvering required to handle the carcass while riding a horse, and how the game can change in an instant, with the scores often coming down to the wire.

We also get a glimpse into how this ancient sport is continuing to evolve in modern times. The sport is now regulated and broadcasted on television, and supports the livelihoods of the young people who play the game professionally.

The episode ends by highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions. The game of kok boru is not just a sport; it is an integral part of Kyrgyzstan's history and identity.

Overall, this episode of Home Game season 1 provides an excellent introduction to the sport of kok boru. The viewers are taken on a journey that showcases the game's unique culture, traditions, and history, while providing a glimpse into the intense and exciting world of the sport.