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Nangarhar Clinches Thrilling Buzkashi Final in Kabul

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 10:42 GMT by Associated Press

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Afghanistan’s Thrilling Final Buzkashi Showdown: Tradition, Tenacity, and Triumph

On a sun‑blazed afternoon in Kabul’s historic Darul Aman courtyard, the country’s most celebrated equestrian sport – Buzkashi – reached its climax. The final match of the annual national Buzkashi tournament, a grueling contest that has been a staple of Afghan culture for centuries, ended with the eastern province of Nangarhar claiming victory over the capital’s provincial team in a dramatic 15‑minute bout. The win, captured on crisp AP video footage, was more than a sporting triumph; it was a statement of resilience, heritage, and national pride amid a backdrop of political upheaval and conflict.

What is Buzkashi?

The video opens with a brief explanation for viewers unfamiliar with the sport. Buzkashi – literally “goat game” – is an equestrian competition where riders chase a goat or calf carcass on a wide, open field. Teams, each typically numbering 11–13 riders, attempt to lift the animal from the ground and place it in a 3‑meter‑wide goal at the far end of the playing arena. Unlike conventional team sports, Buzkashi has few written rules; success depends on raw physicality, horsemanship, and a deep sense of tradition. As AP’s accompanying article notes, “The game is often likened to a mix of polo, rugby, and wrestling, but its roots go back to the 16th century, when nomadic tribes used it to settle disputes over land and honor.”

The Road to the Final

The tournament, which began in early August, drew competitors from across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Each provincial team had to win a series of preliminary rounds, many of which were played in dusty, wind‑choked arenas in remote villages. The organizers – a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Afghan Buzkashi Federation – emphasized that the competition serves as a cultural showcase, especially after the Taliban’s recent “cultural revival” policy, which has sought to preserve and promote indigenous sports.

In the semi‑finals, Nangarhar’s team – led by seasoned rider Rahman Zaryab – dominated a hard‑fought match against the southern province of Kandahar. Meanwhile, the Kabul team, backed by the capital’s enthusiastic fans, overcame a last‑minute surge by the northern province of Badakhshan. The two teams met in the final at the Darul Aman courtyard, a site steeped in Afghan history, where the current ceremony and the final game were watched by an estimated 30,000 spectators.

The Final Game: A Battle of Skill and Spirit

The AP video begins with a dramatic aerial shot of the packed courtyard, then cuts to the players – heavy‑armed, hair‑windswept, and focused – mounting their horses in the starting line. “The roar of the crowd can drown out your thoughts,” one rider told the camera in a quick interview. The match itself unfolded with frenetic energy; riders lunged, clutched, and threw the goat carcass between them in a chaotic ballet of muscle and courage.

Nangarhar’s key moment came midway through the match. Young rider Jamal Khelil, fresh off a hard‑wired practice session, seized the animal, rode into the Kabul team’s defensive line, and forced a goal in a moment that sent the courtyard into hysterical cheers. The Kabul team, undeterred, responded with a counterattack that led to a near‑miss in the third minute of the game. The final minutes were a nail‑biter, with both sides trading blows. In the last 90 seconds, Nangarhar’s veteran rider Zaryab, with a deft spin, secured the goat and placed it into the goal, sealing a 12‑10 win.

During the match, the AP team captured a wide array of shots: the ferocity in riders’ eyes, the dust that rose with each kick, the roar of Afghan drums, and the jubilant fans who danced and cheered in traditional garb. Commentators added context, explaining how the game’s intensity mirrors the broader Afghan experience: “You’re never sure when the next kick will change the game. It’s the same with life in Afghanistan – you need to be ready for anything.”

Cultural and Historical Significance

The AP piece emphasizes that Buzkashi is more than a game; it’s a cultural institution. According to the linked AP story “Buzkashi’s Heritage: From Ancient Tribes to Modern Kabul”, the sport was historically used to settle disputes, display horsemanship, and reinforce tribal identities. It survived the Soviet invasion, the civil war, and the Taliban’s first regime, evolving from a brutal pastime to a symbol of Afghan identity in the 21st century.

The 2024 tournament’s final match also served as a platform for Afghan unity. With the country grappling with political instability, the Buzkashi Federation’s statement – also cited in the AP article – declared that the sport “unites us across provincial lines, reminds us of our shared past, and offers a peaceful outlet for the nation’s passion.” “When we watch the teams, we’re reminded that Afghan pride transcends politics,” said Kabul’s provincial captain, Saeed Noor.

The Aftermath and Future

In the post‑game interview, Nangarhar’s captain expressed both humility and hope: “We’re grateful to our fans and to the organizers. Winning this year means we’ll carry the pride of Nangarhar into the next season. We’re looking forward to another chance to show our love for the sport.” He also thanked the Ministry of Culture for allowing the tournament to continue, hinting at the government’s commitment to preserving traditional Afghan games.

Meanwhile, the article notes that the Afghan Buzkashi Federation has announced plans to expand the tournament next year to include a youth division, encouraging the next generation of riders. The federation’s spokesperson emphasized that they aim to professionalize the sport without losing its “raw spirit.”

Conclusion

The final match of Afghanistan’s annual Buzkashi tournament captured a moment of fierce competition and profound cultural resonance. Through the lens of the AP video and its accompanying write‑up, we see a sport that is as much about community, tradition, and national identity as it is about winning. As Afghanistan continues to navigate uncertainty, events like this Buzkashi final remind us that some traditions – forged in the dust of the past – endure, offering both a rallying point for unity and a glimpse into a shared, resilient heritage.