Printed On 28 Dec 2025
Horsemen from throughout Afghanistan converged for the dramatic last match of the nation’s prestigious annual buzkashi event on Kabul’s outskirts, attracting crowds that included high-ranking Taliban officers witnessing this centuries-old sporting custom.
Buzkashi, Afghanistan’s nationwide equestrian competitors, showcases elite riders who should carry a leather-wrapped bundle – traditionally a goat carcass however now a weighted facsimile – throughout a delegated aim line to earn factors.
Amid swirling mud clouds kicked up by galloping horses, a victor finally prevailed. The profitable crew took a celebratory circuit across the discipline, proudly displaying their flag in triumph.
Afghanistan’s cherished buzkashi event maintains its standing as a standard sport characterised by restricted formal guidelines and fierce bodily competitors.
In its traditional format, two groups compete to attain utilizing what was historically a goat carcass, although modern matches utilise a leather-and-rope substitute full of straw to duplicate the burden of an animal.
Rivals – with 12 riders on either side – reveal extraordinary horsemanship, stretching dangerously from their mounts to retrieve the bundle from the bottom earlier than racing in direction of the aim whereas pursued by opposing riders.
Although prohibited through the Taliban’s earlier governance within the Nineties, buzkashi skilled a revival following their elimination and has continued since their return to energy in 2021, with authorities officers now attending competitions.
On this week’s championship, northern Sar-e-Pul province overwhelmed northeastern Badakhshan with a commanding 7-0 victory, concluding the 11-day nationwide event. Baghlan claimed third place, whereas Kunduz completed fourth among the many 11 provincial groups competing.
The competitors featured eight worldwide individuals from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, in response to Atal Mashwani, spokesman for Afghanistan’s Common Directorate of Bodily Schooling and Sports activities.
Company sponsorship from a petroleum firm funded the event, offering cars as prizes for the highest 4 groups, alongside trophies, medals, and certificates.
1000’s of male spectators stuffed the stands on the central Kabul venue, with enthusiastic followers even climbing close by bushes and electrical energy pylons to achieve higher vantage factors of the motion.
