Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team travels to Kazakhstan for international tournament

Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team has departed for Kazakhstan to compete in an international buzkashi tournament, marking another appearance for the country in the traditional sport on the global stage.

The General Directorate of the National Olympic Committee, Physical Education and Sports said a 15-member delegation was sent to the competition. The team was introduced by the National Buzkashi, Javelin and Traditional Games Federation and includes 12 chapandaz—the skilled riders who compete in buzkashi—along with three officials.

According to the statement, the tournament will take place from March 15 to March 21 in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan. Teams from nine countries, including Afghanistan, are expected to participate in the event.

Buzkashi, often considered Afghanistan’s national sport, is a centuries-old Central Asian tradition in which riders compete on horseback to carry a goat or calf carcass to a designated goal.

The sport remains deeply rooted in Afghan culture and is widely played across the country, particularly during festivals and major celebrations.

Afghanistan has historically been one of the strongest nations in buzkashi, and participation in international tournaments provides an opportunity for Afghan riders to showcase the country’s traditional sport while strengthening cultural ties with other Central Asian nations where the game is also popular.