The thunder of hooves, the clash of wooden mallets, and the roar of an international crowd—this is Chovqan, and it has arrived in Marsa Alam. In January 2026, Egypt’s Red Sea coast hosted a sports tourism festival that is set to redefine the region’s appeal. Chovqan in Marsa Alam is not just a sporting event; it is a cultural phenomenon that blends ancient tradition with modern tourism, positioning this coastal paradise as a new global hub for equestrian tourism. Whether you are a horse lover, a sports enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this guide will introduce you to the thrilling world of Chovqan and show you how Cascia Taxi can transport you to the heart of the action.

What is Chovqan? The Ancient Game Behind the Sensation

Chovqan is a traditional horse-riding game that has been played for centuries in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Often described as the ancestor of modern polo, it is played on a flat, grassy field by two competing teams of five riders mounted on horses. Players use wooden mallets to drive a small leather or wooden ball into their opponents’ goal. The game requires exceptional horsemanship, physical fitness, mental focus, and precise coordination between player and horse.

UNESCO Recognition: In 2013, Chovqan was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The game is deeply rooted in nomadic culture and reflects the perception of the horse as an integral part of everyday life. It is interspersed with instrumental folk music called janghi, and players traditionally wear large astrakhan hats and long tight-fitting coats.

The 2026 Chovqan Festival: A Historic Moment for Marsa Alam

A Festival of International Proportions

In January 2026, Marsa Alam hosted a groundbreaking sports tourism festival featuring Chovqan. The event drew wide international participation, with players traveling from Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Poland, Ghana, and Kuwait to compete. This cross-border appeal highlights the game’s capacity to build cultural and sporting bridges among nations.

Why Marsa Alam Was Chosen

Egyptian tourism expert Mohamed Othman, head of the Egyptian Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee in Upper Egypt, explained that Marsa Alam was chosen for its natural assets and advanced tourism infrastructure. The city’s wide open spaces, scenic natural settings, and world-class hotels make it an ideal venue for integrating sport with tourism.

“The festival contributes to diversifying Egypt’s tourism product and opens new horizons for combining sports and cultural tourism.” – Mohamed Othman, Egyptian tourism expert

The Vision for Chovqan in Egypt

Farag Abdel Maqsoud, undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the Red Sea province, described Chovqan as a relatively new sport in Egypt that combines football skills with equestrian techniques. He noted that these characteristics make it particularly suitable for open tourist destinations, especially beaches and coastal areas.

Wael El-Gendy, head of the Egyptian Chovqan Federation (which is being established), confirmed that plans are underway to identify talent, expand the sport across provinces, and link it with universities, sports clubs, and tourism events. The goal is to position Egypt as a regional center for Chovqan in the Middle East and Africa.

Chovqan: A Magnet for Regional Tourism

The Arab Tourist Appeal

Mohamed Othman highlighted Chovqan’s potential to draw Arab tourists, particularly from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where horse riding holds deep-rooted cultural significance. “Chovqan brings together authenticity and modernity, making it especially attractive to Arab visitors,” he said.

Egypt’s Sports Tourism Strategy

The Chovqan festival is part of a broader strategy to position Egypt’s coastal cities as hubs for international sporting events. Egypt’s tourism sector, traditionally driven by cultural heritage and natural attractions, is now increasingly incorporating sports to attract new markets. This new direction enhances Egypt’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination.

What Visitors Can Expect

During the festival, visitors had the opportunity to watch this captivating game while also experiencing Egypt’s rich history, culture, and vibrant Red Sea environment. The inclusion of Chovqan in Egypt’s tourism offerings marks an important move towards integrating traditional sports into the country’s broader tourism strategy, offering a unique experience for both local and international tourists.

Beyond the Festival: Chovqan’s Future in Marsa Alam

A Year-Round Equestrian Destination

The 2026 festival is just the beginning. Marsa Alam is positioning itself as a year-round destination for equestrian tourism. Plans are underway to:

  • Establish the Egyptian Chovqan Federation
  • Expand the sport across Egyptian provinces
  • Link Chovqan with universities and sports clubs
  • Host major international events in the future

Equestrian Activities for All Visitors

Even if you are not a competitive player, Marsa Alam offers a range of equestrian experiences:

  • Horseback Riding Adventures: Explore desert trails and coastal paths on well-trained horses
  • Stable Tours: Visit local stables and learn about horse care and training
  • Riding Lessons: Suitable for beginners to experienced riders
  • Desert & Sea Rides: Combine horseback riding with swimming in the Red Sea

Farid Eyvazov, executive director of the International Chovqan Federation, affirmed that hosting the festival in Marsa Alam marked an important step toward expanding the sport regionally and internationally. He added, “Egypt has the natural and human resources to become a regional center for Chovqan in the Middle East and Africa”.

The Cascia Taxi Advantage: Your Gateway to Equestrian Marsa Alam

Reaching the equestrian venues, stables, and festival locations requires reliable transportation. Cascia Taxi is your trusted partner for experiencing Chovqan and equestrian tourism in Marsa Alam.

Why Choose Cascia Taxi:

  • Comfortable Transfers: Our modern, air-conditioned vehicles provide a relaxing journey to equestrian venues
  • Local Knowledge: Our drivers know the best routes to stables, festival grounds, and riding locations
  • Flexible Scheduling: Whether you need an early morning transfer for a riding lesson or a late return from a festival, we accommodate your schedule
  • Gear-Friendly Vehicles: Ample space for riding equipment and personal belongings
  • Reliable Service: Punctual pickups and drop-offs ensure you never miss a moment of the action

🏇 Experience Chovqan in comfort and style. Book your equestrian transfer with Cascia Taxi and be part of Egypt’s newest tourism sensation.

What the Athletes Say

Yosra Walid, Egypt’s national Chovqan champion, described the experience as exceptional, saying that hosting the competition in a Red Sea resort city added a distinctive atmosphere and heightened enthusiasm.

“Chovqan is a unique sport, and its players need strong ball control, balance, concentration, and complete harmony with the horse. It’s both enjoyable and challenging.” – Yosra Walid, Egypt’s national Chovqan champion

Frequently Asked Questions (2026)

Q: What is Chovqan?
A: Chovqan is a traditional horse-riding game, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is played by two teams of five riders who use wooden mallets to drive a ball into the opponent’s goal.

Q: When was the Chovqan festival held in Marsa Alam?
A: The first sports tourism festival featuring Chovqan was held in Marsa Alam in January 2026.

Q: Which countries participated in the Chovqan festival?
A: Players from Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Poland, Ghana, and Kuwait took part in the festival.

Q: Can I try horseback riding in Marsa Alam?
A: Absolutely. Marsa Alam offers horseback riding adventures for all skill levels, including desert trails and coastal rides.

Q: How can I get to equestrian venues in Marsa Alam?
A: Cascia Taxi provides reliable, comfortable transfers to stables, festival grounds, and riding locations throughout Marsa Alam.

Q: Is Chovqan suitable for spectators?
A: Yes. The game’s excitement and visual appeal make it highly entertaining for spectators.

Q: Will Chovqan events continue in Marsa Alam?
A: Yes. Plans are underway to expand the sport across Egypt and host major international events in the future.

Conclusion: Be Part of Egypt’s Equestrian Revolution

Chovqan in Marsa Alam represents a thrilling new chapter in Egypt’s tourism story. This ancient game, recognized by UNESCO, has found a new home on the Red Sea coast, bringing together athletes from around the world and attracting visitors eager to witness something truly unique. As Egypt positions itself as a regional center for Chovqan, Marsa Alam is emerging as the heart of this equestrian renaissance.

Whether you come to watch the championship, take a riding lesson, or simply explore the stables and coastal trails, Marsa Alam offers an unforgettable equestrian experience. And with Cascia Taxi providing seamless, comfortable transfers, your journey to the heart of Egypt’s newest tourism sensation is as enjoyable as the destination itself.

🚗 Book your equestrian transfer today and discover the thrill of Chovqan in Marsa Alam!