CULTURE — March 19, 2026
Afghanistan Buzkashi Team Advances to Semifinals of 2026 Kokpar Competitions Against Uzbekistan
Afghanistan's Buzkashi team advanced undefeated to the semifinals of the 2026 Kokpar Competitions, topping Group 2 with nine points and 26 goals, and will face Uzbekistan on Friday. Kazakhstan leads the other semifinal against Russia after winning Group 1.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Afghanistan's national Buzkashi team topped Group 2 undefeated with nine points and 26 goals scored, without conceding any, to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 Kokpar Competitions as group leader.
The team competed in Group 2 against Hungary, Russia and Mongolia, winning all three matches. Russia advanced as the second-place team from the group with six points.
In Group 1, which included Turkey, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, host Kazakhstan finished first with nine points and 27 goals. Uzbekistan placed second with three points to also reach the semifinals.
The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, 29 Hoot 1404: Kazakhstan faces Russia at 10:30 a.m. Afghanistan time, followed by Afghanistan against Uzbekistan at 11:30 a.m.
The Turkish team withdrew from the competitions due to one player's injury, despite participating in the draw ceremony. The event proceeded with eight teams divided into two groups of four.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source from Afghanistan International provides direct, concrete, checkable details including team groups, points, goals, schedule, and withdrawal reason.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "brilliant performance" and "flawless performance" – mild emotional praise that frames the achievements positively beyond neutral reporting.
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Culture — Buzkashi, Kokpar Competitions, Afghanistan national team, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan
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