In pre-taliban times, Buzkashi was the national sport. It is in some ways like hockey. A dead calf is placed in a circle at one end of the field. Two teams then face off for possession. The winner grabs the calf and races to the opposite end of the field to circle a pylon, then with help from his team races back to drop it in the original spot to score. The opposing team does everything to gain possession, including pushing, shoving and slashing with a leather whip. It is dangerous and violent.