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Buzkashi Ground: Witness Afghanistan's National Sport

Experience the thrill of Buzkashi, Afghanistan's national sport, at this vibrant venue showcasing Afghan heritage and the enduring spirit of its people.

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Buzkashi Ground in Mazar-i-Sharif is a vibrant sports venue where you can witness Buzkashi, Afghanistan's national sport. This cultural landmark offers a glimpse into the country's heritage, showcasing the thrilling and chaotic equestrian contest played on horseback [7, 15].

A brief summary to Buzkashi Ground

  • M4G9+CF4, Mazar-i-Sharif, AF

Local tips

  • Check local schedules in advance to ensure you don't miss a game [7].
  • Arrive early, as matches often attract large crowds, and securing a good viewing spot can be challenging [7].
  • Engage with the spectators to learn about the rules of the game [7].
  • Photography is encouraged, so be sure to capture the scenes of galloping horses and spirited players [7].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali) in central Mazar-i-Sharif, head south towards the main Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul Road [15]. Walk approximately 1.5 kilometers along this road until you reach the intersection leading to Buzkashi Ground [15]. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes, offering a glimpse into the local life [15]. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Mazar-i-Sharif [15]. A short ride from the city center or the Blue Mosque to Buzkashi Ground typically costs between 50 to 100 AFN, depending on the distance and negotiation [15]. Confirm the price before starting your journey [15]. Taxis can be found throughout the city, or arranged through your accommodation [10, 15].

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Discover more about Buzkashi Ground

The Buzkashi Ground in Mazar-i-Sharif is more than just a sports venue; it's a cultural landmark that embodies the spirit of Afghanistan [7, 15]. Here, the ancient equestrian sport of Buzkashi comes alive, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into a tradition that dates back centuries [7]. Buzkashi, literally translating to 'goat pulling' in Persian, is Afghanistan's national sport, a thrilling and often chaotic contest played on horseback [7, 15]. The game involves skilled riders, known as 'chopendoz,' who compete to seize a headless goat or calf carcass and carry it across the field to a designated goal [7, 8, 15]. This requires immense strength, agility, and horsemanship, as riders jostle and struggle to gain control of the carcass while fending off opponents [7, 15]. The horses themselves are specially trained for Buzkashi, possessing the speed, stamina, and toughness needed to endure the rigors of the game [7]. Breeds like the Qataghani and Mazari are prized for their athleticism and responsiveness [7, 8]. The history of Buzkashi is deeply intertwined with the nomadic Turkic-Mongol tribes who roamed Central Asia centuries ago [7]. It's believed that the game originated as a training exercise for warriors, testing their skills in horsemanship and combat [7]. Over time, Buzkashi evolved into a cultural mainstay, particularly in northern Afghanistan, where Mazar-i-Sharif has become a renowned center for the sport [7]. Matches at the Buzkashi Ground are a spectacle to behold [7, 15]. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate crowds cheering on their favorite riders and teams [7, 15].

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