The Sport of Khans - Kok Boru

In Afghanistan, it is known as buzkashi and is the national sport. Turkic regions of Central Asia call it kok boru. Legend says that Genghis Khan's hordes played it to refine their horsemanship skills. At its roots, it is linked with another game that we consider quite posh today - polo.

So what is kok boru or buzkashi? It's a fast-paced game wherein two mounted teams battle for the headless body of a sheep, calf or goat. The object of the game is to deposit the animal within a goal ring marked on the ground.

Play can get pretty rough - the riders aren't supposed to lash one another with their riding whips, but it has been known to happen! Broken arms and legs are common, as well.

For more images, see the BBC photo gallery of kok boru players in Kyrgyzstan.

Photo by Paula Bronstein / Getty Images.