Goats as Trophies: Indian Village Football with an Indigenous Twist
In remote Tirilbasa village, India, a football tournament awarded live goats as prizes, reflecting the Ho community's traditions.
While the world celebrated Spain's FIFA World Cup victory, the remote village of Tirilbasa in Jharkhand's Chaibasa district held its own football tournament from July 14 to 17, featuring 64 village teams. The highlight was not the cash prizes but live goats – "khassi" (castrated male goats) awarded to top teams.
In the final, NCS Maudi beat Kumbaram 1-0, winning 15,000 rupees ($156) and three goats. Runners-up received 12,000 rupees and two goats, while third and fourth place got 9,000 rupees and one goat each. Captain Sachin Devam said he needed to arrange transport to carry the goats 10 km home.
Organizers from the Ho tribe emphasize that khassi are essential for celebrations. Used in religious rituals, their meat is shared communally. “Without khassi, our celebrations are half-hearted. At weddings, even if double the chicken is served without khassi meat, villagers will be upset,” said goalkeeper Raj Keshri.
The Ho people, an Austroasiatic tribal community, follow the Munda-Manki governance system. The tournament adapts rules: teams have nine players, at least six from the same village, to foster unity. No offside rule allows scoring from anywhere.
Chaibasa region was plagued by Maoist insurgency until 2011. Now sports thrive, with local tournaments nurturing talent like Malati Munda, who started in village games and now plays for a paramilitary unit.
Spectators enjoy local food and drinks, and rooster-catching games after matches. Commentator Suvir Kumar Tanti noted the tournament reflects Ho culture and uniqueness.
