The league opens with Yama Petrol as the main sponsor, featuring up to 14 provincial teams and international referees.
Kabul | Sayer Zaland
The Afghanistan National Federation of Buzkashi, Javelin, and Traditional Sports has announced that the 7th season of the Afghanistan Premier Buzkashi League will officially begin on 11 December 2025 in Kabul.
According to the federation, 12 to 14 teams from across the country have confirmed participation, including squads from Kunduz, Takhar, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Samangan, Balkh, Sar-e-Pul, Jawzjan, Faryab, Bamyan, Herat, and Panjshir. Additional teams are also expected to join as preparations continue.
This year’s league is financially supported by Yama Petrol, and all matches will be broadcast live on National Sports TV.
Federation officials say preparations for this season are significantly stronger than in previous years. Several teams have hired foreign riders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, while match officiating will be conducted by international Kokpar referees.
Federation President Haji Ghulam Sarwar Jalal stated: “The seventh season marks a major step toward professionalising the national league, and teams are entering with full preparation.”
In addition to the main competition, a full javelin tournament will run parallel to the league, featuring teams from Kabul, Paktika, Khost, Ghazni, Zabul, Logar, and Maidan Wardak.
The Afghanistan Premier Buzkashi League has expanded rapidly in recent years due to increased provincial participation, stronger financial support, and closer coordination with the World Kokpar Federation.
This season introduces several firsts: foreign riders contracted by multiple teams, international referees overseeing matches, and unified technical regulations aimed at standardising the competition. Yama Petrol’s sponsorship has provided key financial backing to elevate the league’s operations and visibility.
Continuous tournaments across northern provinces, rising public interest, and a more organised national structure have positioned the 7th season as one of the most competitive and professionally managed editions to date.