Afghanistan’s most celebrated equestrian contest ended in a 7-0 triumph for Sar-e-Pul over Badakhshan on Monday. The match attracted thousands of men and boys to the central Kabul field, where spectators scrambled up trees and pylons for a better view.
The sport, known as buzkashi, features riders on horseback competing to capture a goat carcass and drive it into the opponent’s goal. Its chaotic scrums and minimal formal rules have made it a staple of Afghan culture for centuries.
Today the carcass is a fake made of leather and rope, stuffed with straw and weights to mimic the size and weight of a dead animal. The fake is used to preserve the sport’s tradition while ensuring safety.
Each side fields twelve riders who hang from the saddle at extreme angles, swooping toward the carcass and racing to the goal. The riders’ daring maneuvers and the horses’ speed create a spectacle that captivates audiences.
Buzkashi was banned during the Taliban’s first rule in the late 1990s, but it resurfaced after their ouster. Since the Taliban seized power again in 2021, government officials have attended matches and allowed the sport to continue.
The final was the eleventh day of the national league tournament, which features eleven teams from across the country. The competition is held in Kabul, drawing massive crowds eager to watch the traditional sport.
In the final, Sar-e-Pul dominated Badakhshan with a decisive 7-0 victory. The scoreline reflected Sar-e-Pul’s superior strategy and skill on the field.
Baghlan secured third place, while Kunduz finished fourth, completing the top four of the eleven-team field. The standings highlight the regional rivalries that fuel the tournament.
“Eight foreign players from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan also joined the teams,” said Atal Mashwani, the spokesman of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports. Their participation underscores the sport’s growing international appeal.
A gasoline company sponsors the tournament, providing funding that includes a car prize for each of the first four teams, along with cups, medals, and certificates. The sponsorship ensures the event’s financial viability and rewards top performers.
Spectators line the playing field, with thousands of men and boys present; some climb trees or electricity pylons to catch a clearer view. The enthusiasm of the crowd reflects the sport’s enduring popularity.
Restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan mean they are not allowed to attend as spectators. Even before formal restrictions, women attending such matches was frowned upon in the conservative society.
Key Takeaways
- Sar-e-Pul wins 7-0 over Badakhshan in the tournament final.
- Eight foreign players from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan participate.
- A gasoline company sponsors the event, awarding cars to the top four teams.
The buzkashi final not only showcased athletic prowess but also highlighted Afghanistan’s complex cultural landscape, where tradition, politics, and international involvement intersect on the dusty field of Kabul.
