Kok Boru, also known as Buzkashi in Afghanistan, is a traditional Central Asian sport where horse-mounted players compete to drop a goat carcass into a goal. In Kyrgyzstan, where it is the national sport, Kok Boru is deeply rooted in the culture of nomadic communities and is widely played across the country. The sport also features a professional league, showcasing the competitive nature of the game. The size of the playing field typically varies depending on the number of participants, adding an element of unpredictability to the game. Today, variations of Kok Boru are played by several Central Asian ethnic groups, preserving the traditions of this ancient sport while adapting to modern influences. The game remains an important part of the region's cultural heritage, symbolizing strength, skill, and community spirit.
Team motivation speech before a Kok Boru game. A traditional horseback game consisting of dropping a dead goat carcass in the opponents' goal. In Kyrgyzstan and generally Central Asia and Afghanistan it is considered a national sport and very popular. Son Kul Lake, Naryn region, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
One of the teams before a traditional horseback game, Kok Boru, consisting of dropping a dead goat carcass in the opponents' goal. In Kyrgyzstan and generally Central Asia and Afghanistan it is considered a national sport and very popular. Son Kul Lake, Naryn region, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Kok Boru, or Buzkashi in Afghanistan, is a Central Asian sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to drop a goat carcass in a goal. In Kyrgyzstan where itbis the National sport it is widely played among the nomadic communities, but there is also a professional league. Usually the size of the playing field depends on the number of participants. Nowadays games similar to Kok Boru are played by several Central Asian ethnic groups. Kok Boru player during a game between Naryn and Koshigor. Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Two teams fighting to take possession of the 'ulak' during a Kok Boru game. The 'ulak' consists of a goat's carcass and needs to be dropped in the opponents' goal in order to mark a point. Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Kok Boru player with a goat carcass. Kok Boru is a traditional horseback game consisting of dropping a dead goat carcass in the opponents' goal. In Kyrgyzstan and generally Central Asia and Afghanistan it is considered a national sport and very popular. Son Kul Lake, Naryn region, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
One Kok Boru player getting away with the 'ulak', a goat's carcass to score a goal. Kok Boru is a traditional horseback game consisting of dropping a dead goat carcass in the opponents' goal. In Kyrgyzstan and generally Central Asia and Afghanistan it is considered a national sport and very popular. Son Kul Lake, Naryn region, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Younger and older spectators of a Kok Boru horseback game, Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
One Kok Boru player getting away with the 'ulak', a goat's carcass to score a goal. Kok Boru is a traditional horseback game consisting of dropping a dead goat carcass in the opponents' goal. In Kyrgyzstan and generally Central Asia and Afghanistan it is considered a national sport and very popular. Son Kul Lake, Naryn region, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Kok Boru player during a game between Naryn and Koshigor, Naryn won 5 to 3. Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Two teams fighting to take possession of the 'ulak' during a Kok Boru game. The 'ulak' consists of a goat's carcass and needs to be dropped in the opponents' goal in order to mark a point. Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Kok Boru horseback game, Kok Boru is a traditional horseback game consisting of dropping a dead goat carcass in the opponents' goal. In Kyrgyzstan and generally Central Asia and Afghanistan it is considered a national sport and very popular. Son Kul Lake, Naryn region, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Two teams fighting to take possession of the 'ulak' during a Kok Boru game. The 'ulak' consists of a goat's carcass and needs to be dropped in the opponents' goal in order to mark a point. Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
Two teams fighting to take possession of the 'ulak' during a Kok Boru game. The 'ulak' consists of a goat's carcass and needs to be dropped in the opponents' goal in order to mark a point. Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, August 2021
