What hobby used to be the national sport of Afghanistan?

SOTHC

Is goat grabbing a hobby or are they just kidding around? http://www.afghan-web.com/sports/buzkashi.html Afghan National Sport (Buzkashi) Buzkashi, which literally translated means "goat grabbing" is the national sport of Afghanistan. Many historians believe that Buzkashi began with the Turkic-Mongol people, and it is indigenously shared by the people of Northern Afghanistan. There are two main types of Buzkashi, Tudabarai and Qarajai. Tudabarai is relatively simple compared with Qarajai, even though they share similar objectives. In Buzkashi, a headless carcass is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by the players of two opposing teams. The object of the game, is to get control of the carcass and bring it to the scoring area. Although it seems like a simple task, it is not. Only the most masterful players, (called chapandaz) ever even get close to the carcass. The competition is fierce, and the winner of a match receives prizes that have been donated by a sponsor. These prizes range from money, to fine turbans and clothes. In order for someone to become a chapandaz, one must undergo a tremendous amount of difficult training. In fact, the best chapandaz, are usually over the age of forty. Buzkashi, is definitely not a game for the weak. [Added text from the reference link - McG] Feb 05 06, 4:32 PM

stupidpeople

"Goat grabbing" as the person above said is actually called buzkashi and YES it is a sport, and NO they are not just kidding. It may not be a sport that we in North America would consider normal but it is for them. In fact, the American and Canadian soldiers play buzkashi with the Afghans. Also, Kite Fighting is a really important sport...and really fun. http://www.afghana.com/Entertainment/Gudiparanbazi.htm The Art of Gudiparan Bazi Before the war began, Gudiparan bazi (kite flying) was a common hobby of many Afghans throughout Afghanistan. It was a form of sport that many took to the status of art. From the designs and sizes of kites to the making of unbreakable tar (wire), for many this became a matter of honor to compete in who's who among the best kite fighters in their neigborhood. This addicting sport absorbed many young Afghans, even during the war. [Added reference for Kite Fighting - McG] Apr 28 08, 4:59 AM