A one-day buzkashi contest was held with local players in Samangan province on Tuesday to prepare the participants for a national contest which is due to be held soon in Kabul, sports officials said.

Qari Zabihullah Haji Zada, head of the Buzkashi Federation in Samangan province, said 60 athletes attended the contest from the provincial center and districts.

Haji Zada said buzkashi is a traditional sport and they are all trying to keep it alive. “We have inherited buzkashi from our fathers and ancestors and we will try to improve the game,” he said.

A number of participants said such contests are good for them to practice to prepare themselves for national games.

“I have been doing this game for many years. This is an ancient game performed by our ancestors,” said Najibullah, an athlete.

The Buzkashi Federation said a buzkashi league is scheduled to be formed in Kabul in the near future.