Cockfighting in Kabul

Nick Tann 0 Comment World Afghanistan, animal cruelty, cockfighting, gambling, Humane Society, Kabul, rooster

Cockfighting, known as “Murgh Janghi” in the Afghan Dari language, is a popular game among Afghans during the winter season, which was banned by the Taliban rulers. The heels and bills of the birds are sharpened before fights, which run around 4-6 rounds. Each round lasts between 10 to 20 minutes with a gap of 5 minutes in between bouts. Some 100,000 to 200,000 Afghanis ($2,000 to $4,000 USD) can exchange hands among spectators placing bets during these fights.

Reuters photographer Omar Sobhani and Getty Images photographer Shah Marai captured today’s cockfight in Kabul.