Printed On 28 Dec 2025
Horsemen from throughout Afghanistan converged for the dramatic closing match of the nation’s prestigious annual buzkashi match 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 chosen purpose line to earn factors.
Amid swirling mud clouds kicked up by galloping horses, a victor in the end prevailed. The profitable workforce took a celebratory circuit across the subject, proudly displaying their flag in triumph.
Afghanistan’s cherished buzkashi match maintains its standing as a standard sport characterised by restricted formal guidelines and fierce bodily competitors.
In its basic format, two groups compete to attain utilizing what was historically a goat carcass, although up to date matches utilise a leather-and-rope substitute crammed with straw to duplicate the burden of an animal.
Rivals – with 12 riders on all sides – reveal extraordinary horsemanship, stretching dangerously from their mounts to retrieve the bundle from the bottom earlier than racing in the direction of the purpose whereas pursued by opposing riders.
Although prohibited throughout 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 match. Baghlan claimed third place, whereas Kunduz completed fourth among the many 11 provincial groups competing.
The competitors featured eight worldwide members from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, in response to Atal Mashwani, spokesman for Afghanistan’s Basic Directorate of Bodily Training and Sports activities.
Company sponsorship from a petroleum firm funded the match, 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.
