CELEBRATING NEW YEAR

Kyrgyz riders play the traditional Central Asian sport of Kok-Boru or Buzkashi (Goat Grabbing) in Cholpon-Ata near Issyk-Kule lake some 250 kms from Bishkek on Saturday. Mounted players compete for points by throwing a stuffed sheepskin into a well. Games are dedicated to the celebration of Nowruz, “The New Year” in Farsi, is an ancient festival marking the first day of spring in Central Asia on Monday. — AFP