<p>Every weekend, fighters from around Afghanistan gather on a public field in the capital to pit their skills against each other in a sport that is a mix of judo and wrestling.</p>.<p>The informal gatherings attract big partisan crowds, with fans cheering for their favourites — usually someone from their home district — and jeering those they want to see lose.</p>.<p>"I have been fighting for 17 years," said Mohammad Atef, a well-built 31-year-old from Samangan province in northern Afghanistan, after disposing of his opponent with an expert throw.</p>.<p>"It is popular is Samangan, Kunduz, Baghlan -- and there are many famous wrestlers in Sheberghan too."</p>.<p>Judo and wresting are particularly popular in the north, with villages and districts producing local champions they put forward for regional contests and even national glory.</p>.<p>The discipline the Afghans follow on the dusty field is a mix of both, with referees to make sure an obscure set of rules is followed and to declare a winner.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/20-years-after-return-to-power-talibans-younger-members-dance-to-a-different-tune-1033861.html" target="_blank">20 years after return to power, Taliban's younger members dance to a different tune</a></strong></p>.<p>Bouts are usually settled quickly -- a fight rarely lasts longer than a minute or two -- with opponents giving each other a sporting hug no matter the result.</p>.<p>"Today my competitor was from Kunduz," said Atef after disposing of his rival with an acrobatic throw.</p>.<p>"I used a spiral technique and I finally defeated him."</p>.<p>Matches are made by promoters who choose opponents based on a combination of weight and record.</p>.<p>There is a small purse for the winner and although gambling is officially banned by the Taliban, it is clear side bets are made on the bouts -- with money furtively changing hands between wily old spectators after each fight.</p>.<p>Hekmat, a 21-year-old also from Samangan, is just starting his career and was beaming after his first victory at the weekend.</p>.<p>"It is around 10 years that I am wrestling... from childhood," he told AFP.</p>.<p>"I have just come to Kabul in recent months after I have wrestled in other provinces and districts."</p>.<p>There was no sign of the Taliban in the crowd gathered in Kabul -- those present say the group eschews physical contests.</p>.<p>"We organise this ourselves," said one referee. "This is not for the Taliban."</p>.<p><strong>Check out latesst DH videos here</strong></p>
<p>Every weekend, fighters from around Afghanistan gather on a public field in the capital to pit their skills against each other in a sport that is a mix of judo and wrestling.</p>.<p>The informal gatherings attract big partisan crowds, with fans cheering for their favourites — usually someone from their home district — and jeering those they want to see lose.</p>.<p>"I have been fighting for 17 years," said Mohammad Atef, a well-built 31-year-old from Samangan province in northern Afghanistan, after disposing of his opponent with an expert throw.</p>.<p>"It is popular is Samangan, Kunduz, Baghlan -- and there are many famous wrestlers in Sheberghan too."</p>.<p>Judo and wresting are particularly popular in the north, with villages and districts producing local champions they put forward for regional contests and even national glory.</p>.<p>The discipline the Afghans follow on the dusty field is a mix of both, with referees to make sure an obscure set of rules is followed and to declare a winner.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/20-years-after-return-to-power-talibans-younger-members-dance-to-a-different-tune-1033861.html" target="_blank">20 years after return to power, Taliban's younger members dance to a different tune</a></strong></p>.<p>Bouts are usually settled quickly -- a fight rarely lasts longer than a minute or two -- with opponents giving each other a sporting hug no matter the result.</p>.<p>"Today my competitor was from Kunduz," said Atef after disposing of his rival with an acrobatic throw.</p>.<p>"I used a spiral technique and I finally defeated him."</p>.<p>Matches are made by promoters who choose opponents based on a combination of weight and record.</p>.<p>There is a small purse for the winner and although gambling is officially banned by the Taliban, it is clear side bets are made on the bouts -- with money furtively changing hands between wily old spectators after each fight.</p>.<p>Hekmat, a 21-year-old also from Samangan, is just starting his career and was beaming after his first victory at the weekend.</p>.<p>"It is around 10 years that I am wrestling... from childhood," he told AFP.</p>.<p>"I have just come to Kabul in recent months after I have wrestled in other provinces and districts."</p>.<p>There was no sign of the Taliban in the crowd gathered in Kabul -- those present say the group eschews physical contests.</p>.<p>"We organise this ourselves," said one referee. "This is not for the Taliban."</p>.<p><strong>Check out latesst DH videos here</strong></p>