A one-day buz kashi tournament featuring 70 riders was held in the provincial capital of Kunduz on Saturday, local sports officials said.
Kunduz | By Sara Amiri
The event was organized by the provincial branches of the Buzkashi, Javelin, and Traditional Games Federations in coordination with the Directorate of Physical Education and Sport. Riders from across the province took part in the contest.
Officials said the tournament concluded with a final akhar-o-laq, during which rider Zabihullah Pahlawan successfully carried the carcass to the designated circle and claimed the top award.
Organizers stated that the competition aimed to enhance riders’ preparation for upcoming events and to provide a healthy recreational opportunity for residents.
Buzkashi is one of Afghanistan’s oldest and most culturally significant sports, traditionally played in the country’s northern and central regions.
The game features horseback riders, known as chapandazan, competing to carry a goatskin carcass to a marked scoring circle.
Matches can last from minutes to hours depending on the rules and local customs, and riders often train for years to master the strength, balance, and horsemanship the sport demands.
Considered a symbol of bravery and skill, buzkashi remains a major part of community life and is regularly held during national holidays, festivals, and regional tournaments across Afghanistan.