Draft:Chovken

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Chovken is a traditional Azerbaijani equestrian team sport. Players on horseback use wooden mallets to direct a ball towards the opposing team's goal. The International Chovken Federation (ICF) uses the spelling Chovken for the sport it administers. The game is also discussed under the names Chovgan and Chovqan.

In 2013, UNESCO inscribed the traditional Azerbaijani game on Karabakh horses on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The inscription is titled Chovqan, a traditional Karabakh horse-riding game in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Historical and cultural context

The National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO describes Chovqan as an ancient equestrian game and a predecessor of modern polo. It records the game's presence in Azerbaijani literary and artistic traditions, including references in Khosrow and Shirin and the Book of Dede Korkut. It also describes competitions in Karabakh and other regions of Azerbaijan during the Soviet period and a revival of organised tournaments in the 2000s.

Traditional practice

UNESCO describes the traditional Azerbaijani game as a competition between two teams of five riders, comprising three forwards and two defenders. Players ride Karabakh horses on a grass field and use wooden mallets to strike a leather or wooden ball towards the opposing goal. Instrumental folk music known as janghi accompanies the game.

Skills and techniques are passed from experienced players to newcomers through collective training. UNESCO describes the game as contributing to a shared identity associated with nomadic culture and the place of horses in everyday life.

In a 2013 report, Eurasianet described participation by riding instructors in Baku and farmers in regional teams. It identified Sheki as a centre for tournaments and efforts to preserve the Karabakh horse.

Contemporary rules

The ICF's published rules specify four players per team, although competition organisers may permit teams of five. Matches consist of two 15-minute halves, separated by a ten-minute interval.

Where extra time is required, the rules provide for a five-minute period following a five-minute break. A penalty shoot-out follows if the scores remain level.

Under the ICF rules, the pitch for four-player teams is 85 to 150 metres long and 35 to 70 metres wide, with goals four metres wide. Players use their right hand to play, and protective helmets are required. The rules also prescribe horse vaccination and leg protection, and exclude horses showing signs of exhaustion or infectious disease.

Cultural heritage and safeguarding

UNESCO's 2013 assessment identified declining youth interest, urbanisation, migration and shortages of players, trainers and Karabakh horses as threats to the tradition. It encouraged safeguarding measures encompassing the game's associated music, crafts and social practices.

In 2022, UNESCO acknowledged Azerbaijan's efforts to support training, competitions and facilities, sustain janghi performances and increase participation. It encouraged continued support for the tradition and long-term breeding of Karabakh horses.

In a 2023 study of equestrian cultural heritage, Sarah Sargent examined Chovqan's UNESCO listing and safeguarding reports. She noted that shortages of Karabakh horses had led to the use of other breeds and changes to equipment, with implications for safety and traditional practice.

International organisation

The federation began its activities at its founding General Assembly in Baku in February 2024. The two-day meeting at the Bina Equestrian Center brought together 29 representatives from 19 countries, approved the federation's provisions and elected its leadership. Bahruz Nabiyev was elected president. Coverage of the meeting used the name International Chovgan Federation.

The International Chovken Federation describes its responsibilities as developing common standards, organising international competitions and supporting national organisations. Its stated objectives include preserving the sport's heritage and supporting the Karabakh horse.

According to the federation, the second World Chovken Championship took place at the Bina Equestrian Center in Baku from 7 to 13 June 2026, with Azerbaijan winning the title.

External links

• International Chovken Federation