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Posted on 12/19/2001 4:45:36 PM PST by Johnny Shear

Afghan National Sport (Buzkashi)

Buzkashi, which literally translated means "goat grabbing" is the national sport of Afghanistan. Many historians believe that Buzkashi began with the Turkic-Mongol people, and it is indigenously shared by the people of Northern Afghanistan. There are two main types of Buzkashi, Tudabarai and Qarajai. Tudabarai is relatively simple compared with Qarajai, even though they share similar objectives.

In Buzkashi, a headless goat carcass is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by the players of two opposing teams. The object of the game, is to get control of the headless goat carcass and bring it to the scoring area. Although it seems like a simple task, it is not. Only the most masterful players, (called chapandaz) ever even get close to the carcass. The competition is fierce, and the winner of a match receives prizes that have been donated by a sponsor. These prizes range from money, to fine turbans and clothes. In order for someone to become a chapandaz, one must undergo a tremendous amount of difficult training. In fact, the best chapandaz, are usually over the age of forty. Buzkashi, is definitely not a game for the weak.

The players are not the only ones who undergo arduous training; the horses that participate in buzkashi must train for five years before ever making it to the playing field. Buzkashi, is indeed a dangerous sport, but intensive training and excellent communication between the horse and rider can help minimize the risk of injury.

More information on the "Sport" of Buzkashi can be found by following the Source Url.

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An unidentified U.S soldier rides horseback, with a dead goat also on the horse, during a traditional game of "buzkashi" near Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001. In the game a headless goat is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by horsemen from two opposing teams. The object of the game is to get control of the carcass and get it to the scoring area. To many Afghans, buzkashi is not just a game, it is a way of life. It is a a game in which teamwork and communication are essential to being successful.

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