Tajikistan’s sports and traditional games are a captivating and integral part of the country’s cultural heritage. Among the most celebrated are the equestrian games of buzkashi and chavgonbozi, and the wrestling style known as gushtingiri. These sports are not only competitions but are also grand spectacles, capable of drawing thousands of spectators, even for local tournaments.
Gushtingiri is a time-honored form of wrestling in Tajikistan, bearing similarities to other martial arts practiced throughout Central Asia. Wrestlers don robes and belts, which they can grip to execute throws and holds. Victory in gushtingiri is awarded to the first wrestler to successfully throw their opponent onto their back. Even a single touch of the mat with one foot can be considered a loss, emphasizing the sport’s strict rules and high stakes. While the match can last up to 10 minutes, it typically ends much sooner due to the wrestlers’ expertise in swiftly employing various techniques to secure a win.
Gushtingiri continues to enjoy immense popularity in Tajikistan today. It is showcased at local championships, festivals, holidays, and even weddings, with competitions often following a structured format. Children compete first, followed by amateur adults, and finally, professional wrestlers take to the stage, bringing the event to its climax. The most skilled wrestlers, revered for their strength and prowess, are honored with the title of polvon, meaning «hero.»
Buzkashi, a thrilling and ancient equestrian game, has been a cornerstone of Central Asian culture for centuries. Known by different names in various countries—kokpar in Kazakhstan, kupkari in Uzbekistan, and kozlodranie in Russia—the game in Tajikistan is called buzkashi. The sport involves riders competing to seize the carcass of a goat or ram, known as the ulak, and deposit it into their team’s goal.
Historically, buzkashi matches could involve up to a thousand participants at once, creating a chaotic and exhilarating spectacle. However, modern buzkashi is more organized, with two teams of four riders competing on a field measuring 400 by 30 meters. The objective is to snatch the ulak, which weighs around 40 kilograms, while galloping at full speed, and toss it into the team’s designated net. The game lasts for 15 minutes, during which teams vie to score more points than their opponents.
While official matches adhere to strict rules, allowing riders to use a whip (called a kamcha) only on their own horse, amateur games can be more intense. In these informal settings, the whip may be used on opponents’ horses or even on the riders themselves, adding a fierce and unpredictable element to the competition. Despite its rough nature, buzkashi remains a deeply rooted and much-loved form of entertainment in the region.
