The Taliban has permitted buzkashi, Afghanistan’s national sport, to continue. The fast-paced equestrian sport remains popular, with Taliban members among its enthusiastic audience. It remains especially popular in northern Afghanistan, a region historically associated with resistance to Taliban rule. Enthusiasts argue that the game remains just as thrilling as it was in the 1990s. The sport remains a powerful symbol of resilience and tradition, despite Afghanistan’s economic turmoil and climate change. The Taliban is set to return to power in 2021, but women are still barred from attending games, according to The Washington Post. The game is an expensive yet vital tradition, requiring thousands of dollars annually for maintenance. Despite these hardships, the enduring popularity of buzKashi demonstrates its deep cultural roots, the report concludes. It is also a welcome distraction for many Afghans as they grapple with economic and environmental challenges, it adds. The U.S. State Department has not commented on the Washington Post’s report, but has expressed its support for Afghanistan’s efforts to combat terrorism.
