Asia Holds First 'Kokpar' Championship

Horsemen from the Kazakh team after a match at the first Asian kokpar championship in Astana on September 12, 2013.

A rider from the Kazkah team drops the headless goat into the container for a score against Russia during the first Asian kokpar championship.

The team from Kazakhstan line up before a game during the first Asian kokpar championship in Astana.

The "ball" -- a beheaded goat -- is placed in the center of the field before a game.

A rider from Russia's team gallops with the goat's carcass during a match against Kazakhstan.

Russian riders (in white) score against Mongolia during the tourney.

A rider from Tajikistan prepares for a game during the championships in Astana on September 12, 2013.

A Kazakh team member drags the goat during the match against Russia.

Riders from the teams from Kazakhstan (blue) and Tajikistan (yellow) compete in a match in Astana on September 11, 2013.

Riders from the Turkish team parade before the crowd at the opening ceremony of the kokpar championships in Astana.

A rider performs for the crowd during a show highlighting the skills of the kokpar riders.

Riders from several of the nine teams competing in the kokpar championships parade on the field during the opening ceremony of the kokpar championship in Astana on September 11, 2013.