Afghan riders launch their horses at full speed to catch a small wooden target with their spears in a Neza Bazi, or tent-pegging, competition in the Eastern province of Ghazni. They are determined to maintain this centuries-old sport, particularly popular in South Asia, despite it now being mainly practiced during special occasions and festivals across the country. "We are still trying to promote this national traditional game, we have protected it until today by expenses from our own pockets, and we will continue to do so," says Mohammad Anwar Andar, a member of Andar district's Neza Bazi team. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES