Kyrgyzstan was expected to select a new national anthem by April 2025, but the Ministry of Culture has announced that none of the submitted entries met the required standards. As a result, the government has launched a new round of the contest.
On April 9-10 in Bishkek, a panel of experts reviewed all the eligible submissions. Between Feb. 7 and March 20, 499 individuals submitted a total of 703 anthem proposals, including both lyrics and music. The ministry accepted 285 entries from 165 participants for consideration. Submissions were even received from foreign nationals.
«Despite the variety of submitted projects and the active participation of citizens, no work was found that fully meets the content and artistic requirements,» the selection panel stated.
Consequently, the contest rules have been revised. The new format will separate the selection process into two stages: the lyrics will be chosen first, followed by the music. Participants from the initial round are welcome to reapply, but only with new submissions.
Contest prizes:
1st place – approximately $17,500.
2nd place – $11,500.
3rd place – $5,800.
4th and 5th places – nearly $3,000.
