The Afghan national buzkashi team returned to Kabul on Saturday with pride and a historic bronze medal after securing third place at the 2026 World Buzkashi Championships (Kokpar).
Kabul 24: The Afghan “Chapandazan” (buzkashi riders) delivered an impressive and landmark performance in the international tournament held in Turkistan, Kazakhstan.
In the group stage, they dominated with convincing victories: defeating Hungary 14-0, Mongolia 7-0, and Russia 5-0. These results allowed them to top their group and advance to the semi-finals.In the semi-final, the Afghan team faced a tough challenge and lost 2-4 to the strong Uzbek side.
However, they bounced back powerfully in the bronze-medal match, defeating Russia 6-0 with a dominant display. This victory marked Afghanistan’s first-ever medal in the World Buzkashi Championships, representing a significant milestone in the country’s sports history.
Nine countries participated in the competition, including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, China, Tajikistan, Hungary, and Mongolia. The “Kokpar” style is an organized and international version of traditional buzkashi, emphasizing skilled horsemanship, physical strength, and team strategy.
The Afghan riders showcased complete mastery of these techniques and earned global recognition for their talent.Officials from the Afghanistan Buzkashi Federation expressed great joy and pride over the national team’s achievement, describing it as a turning point for the sport in the country.
They stressed the urgent need for greater support from the sports administration, relevant ministries, and the private sector. Without adequate financial and logistical backing, sustaining strong international performances will remain challenging.
Upon arrival in Kabul, team members expressed satisfaction with their participation in the world championships. They noted that the tournament significantly boosted their preparation level and motivation.
The players called for increased attention from authorities to provide modern training facilities, preparation camps, and sufficient financial support so they can achieve even better results in future competitions.
The Afghan national buzkashi team is scheduled to participate soon in the Asian Buzkashi Championships in Kyrgyzstan, where they hope to build on their world championship experience and deliver an even stronger performance.
This success is not only a source of national pride but also highlights the high potential of buzkashi as both a rich cultural heritage and a competitive sport from Afghanistan on the global stage.
The bronze medalists’ return has lifted the spirits of athletes and fans alike, while keeping alive the hope for a brighter future for Afghan sports
