Research Article

The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan's Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives

Volume: 14 July 8, 2026
TR EN

The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan's Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines the role of traditional sports and games in Kyrgyzstan’s education system through a case study approach, utilizing teacher and administrator perspectives. The aim is to evaluate the current status, implementation methods, requirements, and contributions of these activities to children’s development. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 participants (17 teachers and 10 administrators) using snowball sampling and examined through thematic analysis, with MAXQDA 24 software used to support the coding process. Findings indicate that traditional sports and games have limited inclusion in the formal curriculum, primarily integrated through physical education classes and extracurricular activities (ECA). Movement-focused games dominate in primary schools, while strategy-based games are prominent in secondary and high schools. These activities are more prevalent in rural areas but are gaining traction in urban settings, influenced by factors such as resource availability, cultural attitudes, and access to training. Traditional sports and games are vital for fostering national identity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. However, their implementation is constrained by limited school resources, inadequate teacher training, and inconsistent application across regions.

Keywords

Traditional sports, cultural heritage, education system, Kyrgyzstan, curriculum integration

Ethical Statement

Ethical Committee Permission Information Name of the board that carries out ethical assessment: Hakkari University Rectorate Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee The date and number of the ethical assessment decision: 06.03.2025-1/105490

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APA
Adsız, R., & Gül, Y. E. (2026). The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 14. https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1866422
AMA
1.Adsız R, Gül YE. The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives. JCER. 2026;14. doi:10.18009/jcer.1866422
Chicago
Adsız, Remzi, and Yavuz Ercan Gül. 2026. “The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives”. Journal of Computer and Education Research 14 (July). https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1866422.
EndNote
Adsız R, Gül YE (July 1, 2026) The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives. Journal of Computer and Education Research 14
IEEE
[1]R. Adsız and Y. E. Gül, “The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives”, JCER, vol. 14, July 2026, doi: 10.18009/jcer.1866422.
ISNAD
Adsız, Remzi - Gül, Yavuz Ercan. “The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives”. Journal of Computer and Education Research 14 (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1866422.
JAMA
1.Adsız R, Gül YE. The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives. JCER. 2026;14. doi:10.18009/jcer.1866422.
MLA
Adsız, Remzi, and Yavuz Ercan Gül. “The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives”. Journal of Computer and Education Research, vol. 14, July 2026, doi:10.18009/jcer.1866422.
Vancouver
1.Remzi Adsız, Yavuz Ercan Gül. The Role of Traditional Sports and Games in Kyrgyzstan’s Education System: An Evaluation Based on Teacher and Administrator Perspectives. JCER. 2026 Jul. 1;14. doi:10.18009/jcer.1866422