Buzkashi: Genghis Khan's brutal goat-chasing sport

Buzkashi is an ancient sport, believed to originate from the era of Genghis Khan, played across Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan. The game involves numerous horse-mounted players vying to seize a headless goat carcass and maneuver it across a designated goal line. This intense competition, characterized by its "every man for himself" nature, can span durations of up to six hours, unfolding in mountainous valleys and dry riverbeds.

The photographer Todd Antony documented Buzkashi in Tajikistan, choosing the sport for a black and white series focusing on light and tone. He noted the chaos inherent in the matches, where spectators often must evade the charging riders. The value of prizes for scoring, such as carpets, camels, or cars, escalates as games progress, drawing more participants and intensifying the action.

Antony sought to capture the riders' quest for control amidst utter chaos, mirroring his own photographic process. The dramatic landscapes of Tajikistan, with dust clouds and smoke, contributed to cinematic imagery. He also photographed the riders and their families, highlighting their hospitality and the sport's deep cultural roots.

The accompanying exhibition of Antony's work, winner of the Sport category in the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, is on display at Somerset House in London until May 4, 2026. A discount code is available for Guardian readers.