Buzkashi, Afghanistan’s traditional and fiercely contested national sport, returned to the spotlight this week as more than 450 riders — known as chapandazan — competed in tournaments across five northern and western provinces, including Badakhshan, Herat, Kunduz, Jawzjan, and Baghlan.
In Badakhshan, a four-day tournament brought together 200 riders from the provincial center and surrounding districts. The event was held under the supervision of the provincial sports directorate. In the final contests, Pahlawan Gulbuddin, Pahlawan Ghulam Khudai, and Pahlawan Gulbuddin Tashqurghani were awarded first, second, and third place respectively for their performances.
In Herat, a single-day Buzkashi competition was held with the participation of 40 riders from the central city and nearby districts. The matches were intense, culminating in Shahram, a prominent rider, securing the championship title.
Two separate tournaments were held in Kunduz province. In Qala-e-Zal district, 60 chapandazan competed fiercely, with Pahlawan Elias delivering the final ulak (goat carcass) to the halal circle to claim victory.
Meanwhile, in the provincial capital, another 90 riders participated in a high-profile contest. Pahlawan Haroon and Abdul Wahab Tashqurghani scored major wins, both successfully placing the ulak into the circle and earning cash prizes.
In Aqcha district of Jawzjan, a team-based Buzkashi match featured 65 players split into Team A and Team B. After a high-scoring game, Team A emerged victorious with a 9–5 win over Team B, impressing spectators with coordinated play and stamina.
In Baghlan province, a Buzkashi match featured 50 riders, where five top runners were Samiullah, Ghayur, Dadullah, Kabir and Azizullah.
The return of these tournaments across multiple provinces reflects the enduring cultural relevance of Buzkashi in Afghanistan. Often played without formal sponsorships or modern facilities, these events are rooted in local initiative and community enthusiasm.
Spectators, many of whom traveled long distances to attend, described the matches as “a symbol of pride and unity.”
Buzkashi, once played primarily in rural areas, is increasingly being promoted in provincial centers as a sport of both historical and national significance. Organizers say more tournaments are planned for the winter season, as cooler weather provides ideal conditions for the game.
