Afghanistan's buzkashi transforms from rural pastime into professionalized sport with lucrative contracts and sponsorships.
Afghanistan's national sport, buzkashi, has transformed from a rural pastime into a professionalized, cash-rich phenomenon. Traditionally played with a headless goat, modern buzkashi now features professional contracts for riders, who can earn up to $10,000 a year, with top teams receiving $35,000, three camels, and a car from sponsors for winning tournaments. This growth has attracted investment from businessmen such as oil tycoon Saeed Karim, leading to improved security at matches and increased popularity, as the sport's federation aims to make buzkashi as prominent as football and cricket.
March 18, 2024
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