Buzkashi
Buzkashi is a traditional Central Asian equestrian sport where mounted players contend for control of a headless carcass. Competitors maneuver through intense physical contact to carry the carcass across a goal line or into a designated scoring circle.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Traditional
- ORIGIN
- Central Asia
- PLAYERS
- 10–200 riders
- EQUIPMENT
- Horse, carcass, whip
- PLAYING AREA
- Open field or stadium
- DURATION
- 2 × 45 min or open
- GOVERNING BODY
- Afghan Olympic Fed
- OLYMPIC
- No
Scoring at a glance
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Drop carcass in Circle of Justice (Daira-i-Halal) | 1 point |
| Carrying carcass around distant goal flag (Tudabarai) | 1 point |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1200 | Turco-Mongol horsemen develop carcass-retrieval games during regional migrations |
| 1953 | Afghan Olympic Federation introduces standardized formal rules for national matches |
| 2020 | First official Afghan Buzkashi League tournament organized in Kabul |
How a game works
Mounted riders known as chapandaz compete to grab a headless calf or goat carcass from the ground while moving at full speed. Players use strength and horse-handling skills to dodge opponents and maneuver toward the target area. In standard team formats, riders pass and defend to support the carrier.
Scoring in one line
A rider scores by carrying the carcass around a designated turning flag and dropping it cleanly into the scoring circle.
Where it came from
The game originated among nomadic Turkic and Mongol tribes across Central Asia as a practical training exercise for cavalry warfare. Over centuries, these military drills evolved into a ceremonial showcase of courage and horsemanship hosted during major celebrations.
Buzkashi today
Buzkashi remains the national sport of Afghanistan and is widely played across Central Asia under regional names like Kokpar. Modern competition includes both traditional open-field festivals and governed league matches with strict time limits and team rosters.
Run a Buzkashi tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 2 × 45 min.
FAQ
What object is used as the ball in Buzkashi?
Traditionally, a headless calf or goat carcass is used, though synthetic substitutes are tested for international leagues.
Is Buzkashi an Olympic sport?
No, Buzkashi is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is not played at the Olympic Games.
How many players compete in a game?
Traditional informal games can feature over a hundred individual riders, while official Afghan league matches feature two teams of 10 riders each.