Buzkashi, the national sport of Afghanistan, is usually held in winter and around the Naoruz New Year celebration. Buzkashi is the ancestor of polo, of which the horse riders fight to get a headless carcass as the ball, and they have to bring the carcass around the ground to be the winner. This sport emphasizes on values of honesty, bravery, strength, and honor—all of which are the pride for the Afghans. The biggest buzkashi match is usually held in Mazar-e-Sharif during the Naoruz holiday. This 2008 event was participated by more than 200 chapandaz (buzkashi horseriders) from all over the country.
Mazar-e-Sharif, 2008