After reeling off a list of familiar activities -- soccer, tennis, golf, cricket, boxing, weightlifting -- Shakib mentioned one that none of us had ever heard of -- Buzkashi, the Afghan national sport.
Buzkashi (pronounced booze-kah-shee) literally means "goat grabbing." It takes place on horseback like polo, only it is played with a goat or calf carcass instead of a ball...seriously.
According to Afghanistan Online: "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.
"The players are not the only ones who undergo arduous training; the horses that participate in Buzkashi must train for five years before ever making it to the playing field. Buzkashi, is indeed a dangerous sport, but intensive training and excellent communication between the horse and rider can help minimize the risk of injury."
The chapandaz make polo players look like wimps. Shakib, who has never played the sport, says that Buzkashi players actually whip the guy with the calf and "sometimes people die." The Wikipedia entry for Buzkashi states that "players may use any force short of tripping the horse in order to thwart scoring attempts. Riders usually wear heavy clothing and head protection to protect themselves against other players' whips and boots."
Although a short, tournament version of Buzkashi exists, games can last for several days. Go to Youtube and search on "Buzkashi" to see videos.
I don't think we'll be attempting Buzkashi any time soon, but the Charles Family does have a new theme song:
Grab your goat,
And get your hat.
Leave your woolies on the door steppe.
Life can be so sweet
On the Sunni side of the street.
1 comment:
Mo, I am fascinated by the adventure you and Jon have embarked upon. Surely, this will change all of your lives in many ways unforeseen.
Shakib seems like a nice young man, and likely he has no idea today how fortunate he is to share love with you both, and to experience the incredibly positive influence you are to be in his life.
Likewise, your jump into the fire of parenthood with a 17 yr old Afghan boy will surely stretch you and broaden the ocean sized hearts you already possess.
Thank you for creating this blog and for sharing the adventure in such vivid detail with all of us.
Love, Craig
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