BUZKASHI
Buzkashi is a traditional equestrian sport, particularly popular in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The sport has a unique way of playing, involving riders retaining control of a goat or a calf carcass. The objective of the game is for a team to be the first to seize the carcass, called the Ulak, from a pile on the ground. Once the team has the Ulak, they must ride a certain distance with it, typically around a marker. From the marker, the team must then return to throw it into the scoring circle, which is similar to a soccer goal. Buzkashi has two main forms: the traditional, known as “tudabaray,” which means “coming out of the crowd”, and the modern government-sponsored version, qarajoy meaning “black place”. While the sport is wildly popular in certain areas, it is known for being a rough, physically demanding game that requires strength, skill, and courage. Players often wear thick coats, helmets, and shin padding for protection, and may use whips against other riders. While currently the games are a watchable length, historically they lasted days, with a large spectating population. Buzkashi has been played since the 13th century, but has progressively lost popularity since.

KUBB
Kubb, a Swedish lawn game, also known as “Viking chess,” involves two teams tossing wooden batons. The teams work to knock over wooden blocks (kubb) on the opposing team’s side of the field. To win the game, your team must knock down all of their opponent’s kubb, including the central “king” block. While the basis of the sport seems simple, if a team accidentally knocks down the king block before all other kubbs are cleared, they lose the game. This rule is what makes the game so challenging, as well as what gained it traction. Kubb can be played with two to 12 players, with two teams of one to six players each. The number of players on each team doesn’t have to be equal, as each team throws a set number
of batons (six) per turn regardless of players are on their side. While initially popularized in Sweden, kubb spread across Europe, with places like Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands holding National Championships.

NGUNI STICK FIGHTING
Nguni stick fighting is a popular South African sport, being labeled as a combat sport or martial art among the Zulu people and other Nguni tribes. It combines the elements of boxing and wrestling, and is extremely high contact. Nguni is often a rite of passage for boys to prove their manhood and fighting prowess, with warriors using wooden sticks and shields. The sport is a 1v1 stick fight, with each boy battling with two sticks, one deemed the offense stick and the other for defense. To score a point, one must hit the opposing player with their stick while simultaneously defending themself. Generally, the fight either ends when one player reaches a predetermined amount of points or blood is drawn.