Afghanistan kicks off its first rugby tournament
Afghanistan kicked off its first official rugby tournament on Friday,
with organisers hoping the game will one day be as popular as buzkashi,
a kind of polo played with the carcass of a headless goat.
Cricket and football have already gained a strong following, and
regional sporting success has offered a rare glimmer of hope in the
war-wracked country.
But enthusiasts believe Afghans, who have faced decades of conflict
and hardship, are even better suited to the rough and tumble of the
rugby field, which is more akin the national sport buzkashi, without the
need for horses.
Ten teams from four different provinces gathered in central Kabul for
the sevens competition, the first since the Afghan Rugby Federation won
affiliation from the Asian Rugby Football Union last month.
"It's becoming popular and soon it will replace cricket and
football," said Asad Ziar, the ARF's chief executive officer. "We're a
rough, tough people. We're physically set for this game, which is very
energetic and fast. "It's the new buzkashi. Our people love that game -
but we can't afford to buy a horse for every player." With just 220
players registered with the ARF, rugby has a long way to go before it
can claim to be anywhere near as popular as buzkashi, football or
cricket. AFP |