Horseback javelin tournament held in Ghazni

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): A mounted javelin throw tournament, featuring 14 teams comprising 120 horse riders, was held in southern Ghazni province on Saturday.

Director of Sports and Physical Training Bilal Mujahid told Pajhwok Afghan News that 12 teams from six districts of Ghazni and two teams from neighbouring Maidan Wardak province participated in the competition.

He added the tournament was organised in cooperation with the Javelin Federation and coordinated by the provincial Department of Sports and Physical Training and the Olympic Committee.

In the final match, the team of Fateh Mohammad Shalgarwal from Andar district secured first place, the team of Wali Mohammad Khaksar finished second and Qarabagh district’s team stood third.

Mujahid said the competition was aimed at fostering unity and coordination among athletes, promoting the traditional sport of mounted javelin and providing healthy recreation for young people in the region.

Meanwhile, players called for better facilities in Ghazni.

One participant, Mohammad Farooq, said javelin on horseback was an ancient and traditional sport in the province.

He added: “The government should provide facilities for javelin players, including proper conditions for keeping and training their horses.”

Javelin is not only a traditional sport in Ghazni but has been played across Afghanistan for centuries, with Ghazni enjoying special reputation in this field.

kk/ma