Abstract: The article is focused on the study of the cultural and historical roots of the Yakut national wrestling Khapsagay in the traditional culture of the Sakha people. On the basis of an analysis of the traditional ethnic group of Yakut, it is shown that the named combat sport does indeed have ethno-cultural and ethno-pedagogical origins. However, the examination of historical sources and material from ethnographical expeditions in the 17th–18th centuries reveals that there are no specific mentions of the wrestling khapsagay in these texts. The authors come to the conclusion that the Yakut wrestling khapsagay is part of the cultural rite body complex for traditional Yakut festivities, and does not stand as a separate cultural element. The foundation of this investigation is based on the study of ethnographical writings of ethnographers of the Second Kamchatka Expedition, as well as field studies of ethnographers in the 17th – first half of the 20th century. Having analyzed the historical material, the authors come to the conclusion that khapsagay served merely as an element of traditional pastimes of the Yakut people, not having a particular role in the ritual activities. The given facts leave unanswered the question regarding the true origins of khapsagay wrestling. According to the authors, it is necessary to continue the study of the cultural-historical roots of the named national combat form.