Buzkashi

The Buzkashi is well known as the National Sport of Afghanistan.  The people of Afghanistan identify with the Buzkashi sport.  The term “Buzkashi” is translated to mean “goat or calf grabbing”. 

There are two versions of the Buzkashi game; the Tudabarai and the Qarajai.  The Qarajai is more complicated than the Tudabarai.  In Qarajai, the athlete must grab the carcass of the goat or calf, run around a marked obstacle course, and then take the carcass back to the scoring area.  In Tudabarai, the player does not have a marked course and can go in any direction from the circle. 

Both versions of Buzkashi use a carcass of a goat or calf with its head cut off.  The carcass is placed in the centre of a circle.  The two opposing teams surround the circle.  The teams fight their way into the circle to grab the carcass and get it into the scoring area.  The players on each opposing side must have great strength to compete n Buzkashi. 

The winner who takes home the coveted prize is given the title of Chapandaz.  To become a Chapandaz, one must go through intense physical training in order to be strong enough to win.  Since years of training and competing is the best teacher, most of the competitors who have been competing in the Buzkashi for many years are the most likely to become the Chapandaz.  That is why the Chapandaz is usually in his forties. 

The players use horses that have also gone through grueling physical training.  No horse is allowed to participate in the Buzkashi unless it has had at least five years of intense training. 

The Chapandaz returns home with prizes such as money, clothes and turbans. Perhaps a branded usb would make a great prize aswell!