Strong group-stage dominance and a decisive win over Russia seal podium finish for Afghan chapandaz.
Sara Amiri | ASJF News
The Afghanistan National Buzkashi Team claimed third place at the International Kokpar Tournament hosted by Kazakhstan, featuring nine competing nations.
Afghanistan delivered an impressive run in the group stage, defeating Hungary 14-0, Mongolia 7-0, and Russia 5-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
Despite their strong momentum, the team fell short of a place in the final after a 4-2 defeat to Uzbekistan in the semi-final clash. However, Afghanistan responded with authority in the third-place match, securing a 6-0 victory over Russia to finish on the podium.
The tournament brought together teams from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Mongolia, Russia, China, Hungary, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, highlighting the growing regional prominence of traditional equestrian sports.
Afghanistan’s performance underscored both competitive strength and the enduring cultural significance of buzkashi, as the national team continues to assert itself on the international stage.