Teaching National Sports in Higher Education: The Experience of Ulok (Kupkari)
Abstract
This article examines the pedagogical potential and practical experience of teaching national sports in higher education, with a particular focus on ulok (kupkari) as a traditional equestrian team sport. The relevance of the study is обусловed by the growing need to integrate culturally grounded practices into modern university curricula in order to foster holistic student development and preserve national heritage within a globalized educational environment. The research explores theoretical frameworks underpinning the inclusion of traditional sports in formal education, including experiential learning, constructivist pedagogy, and culturally responsive teaching. Ulok is analyzed as a complex educational tool that promotes not only physical fitness but also higher-order competencies such as strategic thinking, rapid decision-making, teamwork, and resilience. The study also considers the historical evolution of ulok competitions and their gradual institutionalization, which has enabled the sport to be adapted for structured instructional settings.