Afghanistan’s national sport is called buzkashi, which literally translates to “grabbing a goat.” Similar to polo, this ancient sport is played on horses, but instead of a ball, the object of play is a headless goat carcass that participants must navigate around the playing area.
Though getting there can be difficult, the aim is straightforward. The two competing teams’ task is to remove the goat corpse from their opponents, move it around the field, and then toss it into the rivals’ circle.
There are two primary variants of the game: Tudabarai and Qarajai.
TUDABARAI
The game’s more basic version is known as tudabarai. The only requirement is to keep control of the carcass, and there are few laws. The objective is to just take the goat in this variation and move however you choose till you are free of the other players. The least structured variation starts the game with as many as 500 horsemen swarming the carcass and fighting over 토토사이트 the goat while whipping one another. The goat carcass is eventually snatched by one rider, referred as as a Chapandaz, who then rides away from the initial circle in whatever direction that becomes evident.
The carcass cannot be attached to the rider’s saddle, hit an opponent in the hand, or be thrown by the rider. The rest is up for grabs. Landscape often establishes boundaries, and players are frequently kicked, punched, or even pushed into rivers.
Until the game is over, the winning rider will be free of the opposition. In Tudabarai form, there are no sides, and matches might go on for days.
QARAJAI
The task is even more difficult in Qarajai. A minimum of two players must be on each team, with an equal number on each side, in order to play this team game. In order to hurl the corpse into the specified circle, sometimes known as the circle of justice, at the other end of the field, players must carry it around a flag or other marker at one end of the field. The carcass must first be passed three times from one team member to another before being dropped into the scoring circle. The pass count is reset to zero if the goat is dropped or lost. A round of play is concluded when the goat is successfully dropped in the scoring circle, which yields one point. The squad that scores three points first wins. There is no time restriction.
Points are given in each iteration of the game for properly controlling the carcass and moving it to the correct scoring location. Each match’s winner receives rewards that have been offered by a sponsor. The top prizes are either cash or expensive clothing.
HORSES USED IN BUZKASHI
It is hardly unexpected that one of the most well-liked types of public entertainment is a game that rewards bravery, skill with a horse, and raw power. The historical game of buzkashi is presented as a primer for understanding Afghan life. It largely has to do with the character of the place and little to do with politics.
In Afghanistan, there are two different breeds of horses. The robust pony known as the “qataghanI” is recognized for its stamina and strength. The biggest one is situated in the steppes of Faryab and Balkh. In buzkashi, both breeds are utilized. In the game, only male stud horses are utilized.
To be effective in the game, bozkashi horses need unique training. The horse waits in case the rider is thrown off or dismounts. When a horseman steals the careas of a calf to get an advantage in the game, a trained horse will gallop with incredible speed. Horsemen give their animals names based on the color of their coats. For example, a grey horse is referred to as “t’Aragh,” an ash blond horse is called “samand,” a red horse is called “jayran,” and a white horse is referred to as “qezel” or “boze.” In Afghanistan, horsemanship has been practiced since the Vedic era.
To keep the animals in good condition for buzkashi, special workouts like horse walking and bathing are required. Diet also plays a crucial role in preparing the horses for the demanding competitions hosted in expansive fields surrounded by snow-capped mountains, much like well-groomed sportsmen do.
In Jawzjan, various horse breeds produce various effects. Due of their strength and grace, the indigenous horse breeds Ghorogh, Jirn, Samand, Meshki, and Sorkhoon are all regarded as the best for buzkashi.
Horsemen frequently get overexcited and will bump, hit, and rattle opponents as a result. They typically have a broken limb or are bruised when they return. Sometimes 먹튀검증 they pick a location near a river, where a few riders plan to drown the opposition. The Afghans take the game very seriously and put their lives on it. Riders frequently continue playing the game while suffering from shattered limbs, crushed ribs, and other head wounds. Chapandaz falls off his horse during the game, but he quickly mounts it again and keeps on running. Owning buzkashi champions is a matter of status for the horse owners. Glory is more important to the chapandaz than money.