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 November 11, 2009 (Use j/k keys to navigate)   Email to a friend    Permalink

Buzkashi: "goat grabbing" is the national sport of Afghanistan

These men don't just stare at goats. Buzkashi, which translates as 'goat grabbing', is the national sport of Afghanistan. The object of the game is for horsemen to try to snatch a beheaded goat or calf carcass in the field and carry it to a scoring area. This fiercely contested sport can sometimes last several days. ( 15 photos total)

Afghan buzkashi players on horseback fight for control of a beheaded goat during a game November 6 in Kabul. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

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Spectators watch Afghan buzkashi players on horseback fight for control of a beheaded goat during a game November 6 in Kabul. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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According to Afghanistan Online, only the most experienced players, the chapandaz, get close to the goat carcass. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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A soldier watches the competition. (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen) #

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According to Afghanistan Online, players must undergo difficult training to achieve the status of chapandaz. (AP Photo/Farzana Wahidy) #

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An Afghan horseman drags a headless goat to the scoring circle during a game of buzhkashi on the outskirts of Kabul November 6. (REUTERS/Jerry Lampen) #

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Afghan buzkashi players on horseback fight for control of a beheaded goat during a game November 6. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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Afghan buzkashi players drag a headless goat during a game in Kabul November 6. (AP Photo/Farzana Wahidy) #

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According to Afghanistan Online, the horses used in buzkashi must also undergo training. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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According to the Wikipedia entry on buzkashi, players may carry a whip, often in their teeth, to fend off challenges from other players.(Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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According to Afghanistan Online, buzkashi is a dangerous sport, but training and communication between horse and rider minimizes the risk of injury. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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Spectators watch the buzkashi game in Kabul November 6. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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A lone Afghan horseman pauses during a break in a game of buzkashi November 6 in Kabul. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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According to Afghanistan Online, prizes for winning teams include money, fine turbans, and clothes. (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images) #

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According to Afghanistan Online, buzkashi is for many Afghans a way of life in which teamwork and communication are essential to success. (MASSOUD HOSSAINI/AFP/Getty Images) #



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These are staggering photographs.

Posted by B November 18, 09 11:34 AM
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its cool game.

Posted by anoop December 12, 09 03:18 PM
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