Buzkashi

It’s a mad dash for the carcass. Five teams altogether. Maybe six. Maybe four. No one is quite sure, not even the referee who is more concerned about not getting trampled underhoof.

They used to use a goat carcass thousands of years ago when the game was first conceived. Now they opt for the more sensible headless calf carcass. It does not fall apart nearly as fast.

One of the younger riders falls and is severely injured. His buzkashi dreams have faded.

“Better a poor rider on a good horse, than a good rider on a poor horse,” the crowd chants.