Machine transcription
105
noses, long faces and are of fair complexion. Their counte-
nances have an air of manliness and deliberation. They are
hardy and active, industrious and sober. No more potent
testimony to their power exists than the record of the Anglo-
Afghan wars.
Their manners are frank and open. Though manly and
independent they are entirely free from conceit and ferocity.
They are remarkable for their prudence, good sense and humour.
They have always been ardent sportsmen. From time
immemorial they have realised that physical culture and sports
are the important elements which enable one to overcome
difficulties and privations, and still remain cheerful, courageous
and firm. Physical endurance, ability to co-ordinate all move-
ments on any terrain, and overcome parching heat and bitter
frost—these qualities are acquired by the Afghans as a result of
constant attention to national sports, such as horse-riding,
mountaineering, and wrestling.
Even in present-day Afghan life, sports and physical
culture occupy an important part. Besides their own national
games, all modern European sports, such as football, volleyball,
hockey, basketball, handball and tennis have been introduced
and widely promoted throughout the country.
Among the Afghan games the one called Buzkashi (dragging
the goat) is indeed a feat of horsemanship. It is chiefly in
vogue in Northern Afghanistan (Mazar, Maimana, and
Kataghan provinces). Like polo, it is played on horseback by
two opposing teams, each consisting of 60 to 100 horsemen. The
first thing to be done is to kill a goat, a calf or a sheep, and
then to place the carcass in the middle of a circle. When this
is done, a signal is given, and all the riders make a dash at the
beheaded animal. The man who picks it up flings it across the
Roughly two thirds of characters agree with a modern printed edition of the same text. Much of the disagreement is editorial, not misreading. Treat the transcription as a finding aid and read the page image before quoting. How this was measured.
