A vibrant Buzkashi tournament featuring 70 chapandazan was held in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz, bringing together riders from four districts in a traditional and culturally rich sporting event.
Kunduz | By Sara Amiri
A large-scale Buzkashi tournament was organized in the Righ Basos area of Imam Sahib district, under the supervision of the Federation of Buzkashi, Neiza Wana, and Local Games, affiliated with the Kunduz Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
A total of 70 riders participated in the competition, representing Imam Sahib district, Kunduz city, Qala-e-Zal, and Khanabad. The intense matches showcased strength, speed, and traditional sportsmanship.
At the end of the competition, two riders successfully carried the akhra olagh to the designated circle:
1st Place: Matiullah Nazari
2nd Place: Abdulhai Pahlawan
Both riders were awarded the prepared prizes by the organizers.
Officials stated that the aim of holding these competitions was to promote healthy recreation, encourage youth participation, and further strengthen traditional sports, particularly Buzkashi, in Kunduz province.
Buzkashi is Afghanistan’s national and historical sport, widely practiced in northern provinces such as Kunduz, Takhar, Baghlan, Balkh, and Faryab. The sport involves riders competing to seize and deliver a goat carcass—known as the olagh—to a marked circle. Imam Sahib district, known for strong horsemen and an active Buzkashi culture, regularly hosts local and regional tournaments.
In recent years, cultural sports federations across Afghanistan have expanded their activities to preserve traditional games, organize grassroots competitions, and promote community engagement through sports events.