The Afghan team rebounds from a heavy opening loss and highlights the revival of the nine‑nation buzkashi tournament in Turkistan.
Sara Amiri | ASJF News
The Afghanistan National Buzkashi Team secured a 5‑0 victory over Russia in their second match at the ongoing International Kokpar tournament in Turkistan, Kazakhstan.
The competition, which began on March 15 and runs through March 21, reunites teams from nine countries in one of Central Asia’s most enduring traditional equestrian sports.
Afghanistan had suffered a heavy 14‑0 defeat to Hungary in its opening match, but the team rebounded strongly with a commanding win against Russia, demonstrating resilience and tactical cohesion among its riders.
The tournament brings together chapandaz (skilled buzkashi riders) from Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Türkiye in this revival of the event after a nine‑year hiatus.
Afghanistan’s next match in the competition is scheduled against Mongolia, as riders aim to maintain momentum and contend for top honours in the international series.
Buzkashi, known as kokpar in parts of Central Asia, remains deeply rooted in Afghan cultural identity and equestrian heritage, with international tournaments providing an important platform for the nation’s traditional sport on the world stage.