Buzkashi is a famous traditional sport in Afghanistan with deep roots in the country’s culture and history. Often called "goat-pulling," it is played on horseback by skilled riders known as "chapandazan." This exciting and sometimes rough game shows off bravery, strength, and horsemanship. What is Buzkashi? Buzkashi is a competition where players on horses try to pick up the body of a dead goat or calf from the ground and carry it to a special spot, usually a circle called the "circle of justice." The goal is to grab the animal’s body, keep it away from other players, and drop it in the target area. Riders often fight hard to win, sometimes even using whips to push their rivals away. History of Buzkashi Buzkashi goes back hundreds of years, possibly starting with the nomadic people of Central Asia, like the Scythians. Some say it began as a way to hunt mountain goats on horseback. Over time, it became popular among Afghan groups like Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmens, and Hazaras. During the rule of King Mohammad Zahir Shah (1933-1973), the government supported Buzkashi, and
it was played at big events like the king’s birthday. Later, it was linked to United Nations Day celebrations. How It’s Played
The Animal: The goat or calf (weighing up to 50 kilograms) is killed before the game. Its head and legs are cut off, and sometimes it’s soaked in cold water for a day to make it tougher or filled with stones to make it heavier.
The Horses: Special horses, like the Qataghani or Mazari breeds, are trained for years to be fast, strong, and tough for Buzkashi.
The Riders: The chapandazan are skilled and strong men who ride fast horses. They might wear knee pads, shin guards, or helmets because the game can be dangerous—they could get hit by whips or even break bones.
The Field: Buzkashi is played in open fields or large areas, often in cooler seasons like spring, fall, or winter.
Rules and Modern Changes In the past, Buzkashi had no strict rules and could get very wild. But in 2016, Afghanistan’s National Olympic Committee made it an official sport with some rules. For example, because some people worried about animal rights, they suggested using a 50-kilogram fake object instead of an animal’s body, though this isn’t always followed. Hitting horses with whips is now limited, and breaking rules can lead to penalties. Cultural Importance Buzkashi is more than just a game—it’s a big part of Afghan identity. It’s especially popular in northern and northeastern areas like Balkh, Panjshir, Badakhshan, and Mazar-i-Sharif. People used to play it at weddings, circumcisions, or New Year celebrations. There was even a wild version called "toda-barai," where hundreds of riders played at once. Buzkashi Today Buzkashi is still loved in Afghanistan, with local and national tournaments. In recent years, a Buzkashi league started, and teams like "Yima Petrol" from Balkh have won titles. During some periods, like under Taliban rule, it was banned because of the animal use, but it came back after political changes. Buzkashi is a thrilling sport that shows Afghanistan’s rich traditions and the toughness of its people. It remains a symbol of pride and unity for many.