Buzkashi: An Afghan Cultural Heritage Bringing Together Communities
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Kabul, Dec 14 (NationPress) Eagerly anticipating the Buzkashi match and hoping for his team’s victory, a horse rider named Pahlawan described this beloved traditional sport, highlighting its historical significance to the Afghan people.
Known as a centuries-old Afghan sport, often referred to as goat grabbing, Buzkashi has evolved into a powerful symbol of unity. According to Pahlawan, the thousands of spectators attending this horse-riding tournament from all over Afghanistan illustrate its ability to connect individuals from various backgrounds.
“The tradition of breeding and raising horses runs deep here, just like Buzkashi,” Pahlawan remarked during a recent match on the outskirts of Kabul city. “This sport transcends mere competition—it's a fantastic means of bringing together people of all ages.”
Despite decades of war and civil strife that have fragmented Afghanistan’s multi-ethnic society, Pahlawan views Buzkashi as a unique avenue for cultivating friendship and solidarity.
“This game (Buzkashi) fosters camaraderie among people. The passion for Buzkashi unites us, which is why participants and spectators from various provinces, including Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar, and Kunduz, gather to enjoy it,” explained Pahlawan, who represents the team from northern Baghlan province.
The 6th annual Buzkashi League of Afghanistan, featuring 11 teams from across the nation, commenced on December 5 and is set to conclude on December 15. Teams will be awarded cash prizes, luxury vehicles, and horses for their achievements, according to Xinhua news agency.
“Buzkashi holds a special place in the hearts of our people. This year, we even brought in horses from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for the competition,” stated Ghulam Sarwar Jalal, head of the Afghanistan National Federation of Buzkashi. “Rather than purchasing cars, enthusiasts invest in horses, demonstrating their deep passion for the sport.”
Despite the numerous challenges faced by war-ravaged Afghanistan, the sport flourishes, with competition-ready horses valued between $70,000 and $200,000, as claimed by Sarwar.
“I am a fan of Buzkashi, which is why I traveled from Sari Pul province to Kabul to enjoy the game. I am confident our team will win the competition. Buzkashi is an integral part of our culture,” shared Najibullah Hamraz, a resident of northern Sari Pul province, with enthusiasm to Xinhua.
