news – UK Traditional Archers' International Association

Contact us: k.dolgilevica@uk-taia.org

14.09.2026

UK Brings the English Longbow Team to the 6th World Nomad Games for the first time since 2014 – A Success!

[Left to right: Lila, Mark, Cody, Harry and John. Women had to switch to the Korean bow for the challenging 145m distance.]

What an extraordinary adventure it has been!

Our mission to bring the English longbow to the World Nomad Games, one of the most prestigious international traditional archery tournaments, was a massive success!

World Archery and Bow International covered the momentous event in greater detail [click the links].

Five athletes (pictured left to right: Lila Goodwin, Mark Goodwin, Cody Sims, Harry Sims, John Stanley) competed across three distinct disciplines. This marks the first time since 2014 that a longbow team has made an appearance at the event. The competitive programme featured:

Kyrgyz Teke Buta (40m): Shot from classic, reverse, and kneeling positions.

Turkish Puta: 70m for men, 60m for women.

Gungdo (145m): A demonstration discipline organised by the World Traditional Archery Federation.

[Cody Sims shooting the most challenging kneeling position at the 40m Kyrgyz round.]

[Our 6 ground Archery team members were part of the UK’s biggest ever World Nomad Games delegation of 47 participants.]

[The Opening Ceremony took place on August 31st at the purpose-built Bishkek Arena (capacity 51,000). The Spectacle featured over 2000 stunt performers and dancers. It will be hard to beat.]

[Our Team attracted a lot of attention from other athletes, visitors, as well the local and global media. It gave ample opportunity to share our knowledge and history.]

[Another piece of history, a WWII Union Jack brought by our John Stanley, served as a great conversation-starter with many history enthusiasts.]

[The Ground Archery 6 before the Parade of Athletes.]

[World Traditional Archery Federation members met on September 3rd to discuss the latest updates. UK-TAIA’s president, Kristina Dolgilevica, was also in attendance.]

How did the Team fair?

Competing on a stage of this magnitude for the very first time, every team member walked away having exceeded their own expectations. The team prepared for the Games under the guidance of coach Kristina Dolgilevica, who shared:

“Besides the spectacular backdrop (the best an archer could ever hope to shoot against), my absolute highlight of the Games was the team itself. They were dedicated, positive, and always smiling. We gelled together in no time, and we are already preparing for our next mission. I am particularly proud of how the team handled the long days and the weather changes over the course of three days of competition. At this altitude, the temperature changed from very hot to cold in a matter of minutes, presenting archers with bouts of rain, sudden wind gusts or scorching heat of the sun. All future tournaments will be a breeze for these athletes. Very well done!”

The Team Outfit Concept

Because the United Kingdom does not have a single, unified traditional national costume, the team proudly showcased a new concept centred around a unique national treasure: the English longbow. To honour the mixed heritage native to the UK, the outfits blend elements of English (Anglo-Saxon), Scottish, Welsh, and Irish (Celtic) lineages. While steeped in history, the garments remained entirely practical for the high-altitude terrain and strict competition rules.

[Left to right: Cody Sims, Kristina Dolgilevica, Harry Sims.]

Coach Kristina explained the inspiration:

“Our clothing combines practical items made from simple, natural materials that represent British history and function effectively for this sport. We opted for muted, earthy colours while leaving room for individual expression. The central concept was to showcase our mixed heritage against the dramatic, high-altitude alpine basin of Kyrgyzstan. And what better garment suits that rugged terrain than the kilt?” We will dedicate a separate post to UK-TAIA’s traditional outfit concept with historic notes shortly.

[The Kyrchyn Gorge. The most dramatic backdrop with a temperamental climate.]

The Competition Setting: Lake Issyk-Kul

The tournament took place at Lake Issyk-Kul (“Hot Lake”), situated at an elevation of 1,607 meters (5,272 ft). It is the world’s second-largest alpine lake and never freezes due to its depth and salinity. Historically a vital stopover on the ancient Silk Road, this breathtaking location provided an unforgettable backdrop for the team’s historic return.

Final Results & Rankings

Kyrgyz 40m (Women)

Lila: 68/80

Cody: 58/80

Kyrgyz 40m (Men)

John: 87/119

Harry: 67/119

Mark: 53/119

Turkish Puta 60m (Women)

Lila: 67/80

Cody: 63/80

Turkish Puta 70m (Men)

Mark: 96/118

Harry: 80/118

John: 58/118

A very big round of applause to the UK-TAIA WNG Team for braving the tough landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and for showing great first results against the very strong and experienced traditional archers!

Next World Nomad Games 2028: Kazan, Tatarstan.

06.08.2026

HISTORY MADE: With 50+ athletes, Team Great Britain is sending its largest-ever squad to the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan this August!

[Pictured: 4 out of 6 members of our ground archery team alongside Ambassador Solera Deuchar]

Ahead of the competition, Team Great Britain had the distinct privilege of a private tour at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), hosted by the newly appointed British Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Vicente Solera Deuchar. We are incredibly grateful to the Ambassador for his warm hospitality, encouragement, and support as our athletes prepare for this global stage. Special thanks to all the staff and the amazing tour guide.

GB athletes will be competing across six diverse disciplines: Archery, Horseback archery, Wrestling, Tug of war, Intellectual sports, and Breaking of the vertebral bone (nomadic strength contest).

A special milestone for this tournament involves the UK Traditional Archers’ International Association (UK-TAIA), who are bringing a dedicated squad to showcase the historic British longbow. This marks the first time since 2014 that a UK ground archery longbow team will represent the nation at the World Nomad Games, bringing an iconic piece of British heritage to this ancient cultural exchange.

We look forward to reconnecting with Ambassador Solera Deuchar at the Opening Ceremony in Bishkek on August 31st!

Follow our page on Instagram @uktaia and Facebook (UK Traditional Archers’ International Association) for live updates from Kyrgyzstan, and please join us in wishing our phenomenal athletes the very best of luck!

15.07.2026

ANNOUNCEMENT: The United Kingdom traditional archery team has officially received accreditation for the World Nomad Games 2026! The UK will be proudly represented by Mark Goodman, Lila Goodman, John Stanley, Cody Sims, and Harry Sims. The team is training under the expert guidance of Kristina Dolgilevica, WNG team coach and president of the UK-TAIA, the official UK signatory under the World Traditional Archery Federation.The athletes will compete in the ground archery discipline, proudly shooting the iconic English longbow at this year’s international event.After an absence of over a decade from the international traditional archery scene, the UK-TAIA is thrilled to bring back the formidable English longbow and the archers back to the global stage. Stay tuned! The team will shortly reveal a fresh, modern take on the traditional dress by this year’s team in Kyrgyzstan. Congratulations to all!

https://worldnomadgames.org/en/