Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Yao Gang) news: On December 29, 2024, at the Kamusitebulake Racecourse in Qiwukeleze Town,Tekes County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 17 teams from both southern and northern Xinjiang competed for the championship title in the inaugural "Tianshan Knight" Cup Buzkashi Finals under the warm winter sun.

The Buzkashi is a horseback competition for possession of a goat. Competitors mounted on horseback engaged in a fierce contest, entangled in efforts to seize the goat. They utilized their hands to grip the goat's legs, while their horses trotted and circled the arena. Once a team successfully captured a goat, its members spurred their horses towards the opposing team's goat pen, with snow kicked up by the pounding hooves soaring into the air. The audience erupted in excitement, cheering for the attacking team's bravery.

Photo shows on-going Buzkashi (horseback competition for possession of a goat). (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Yao Gang)

At the competition site, Dubaike Akenbieke also rode alongside the competitors, alternating between a slow trot and a gallop. Having attained the level two judge certification in equestrian events in 2021, this was his ninth major competition officiated this year. "I serve as a judge, primarily monitoring whether the horses of both teams cross the boundary lines. If they do, I will blow the whistle, and the teams must return to the center of the arena to restart the competition," Dubaike explained.

"The arena for Buzkashi measures 330 meters in length and 150 meters in width, with a goat rack positioned on each side at a height of 1.6 to 1.7 meters, spaced 180 meters apart. The sheep used for the competition must be goats, weighing between 12 to 14 kilograms," stated Dubaike.

"Why must it be goats?" a reporter inquired. "Goat skin is more durable, preventing it from tearing during intense competition," Dubaike explained.

"Isn't the Buzkashi competition somewhat similar to a football match?" the reporter asked. "It does resemble a football match to some extent; the competition is divided into two halves, with a halftime break. During our training sessions, we also practice offensive and defensive formations, although it is not as complex as football," said participant Mamatjan Nazha from Atux City.

Through participating in the inaugural "Tianshan Knight" Cup Buzkashi competition, Mamatjan observed some differences between Buzkashi in southern and northern Xinjiang. "In southern Xinjiang, we allow competitors to place the goat on the saddle after capturing it, whereas the rules in northern Xinjiang do not permit this."

Buzkashi was included in the second batch of State-level intangible cultural heritage items in 2008 and is a popular folk activity among various ethnic groups in Xinjiang. During joyous occasions such as weddings and childbirth, farmers and herders invite neighbors and relatives to participate in Buzkashi events, sharing the happiness brought by these celebrations.

On competition day, a participant fell off their horse while grappling for a goat. Both teams immediately halted the match, allowing the fallen competitor to quickly regain their composure, clear the snow off, and remount to continue the competition.

"As the saying goes, 'wrestling tests strength, Buzkashi tests courage.' This phrase encapsulates the essence of Buzkashi; it requires not only competition but also the courage to rise after a fall," Mamatjan said.

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