In a move that has left the country’s passionate martial arts community reeling, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has banned the practice of mixed martial arts, citing it as incompatible with Islamic law.
The decision, announced by an official from the Taliban’s sports authority, came after an investigation into the sport’s compliance with Sharia. “It was found that the sport is problematic with respect to Sharia and it has many aspects which are contradictory to the teachings of Islam,” the Taliban’s General Directorate on Physical Education and Sport stated in a press release.
MMA, a popular combat sport among Afghan youth, had garnered a significant following in the two decades leading up to the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Competitions such as the Afghanistan Fighting Championship (AFC) and Truly Grand Fighting Championship (TGFC) had held numerous events, captivating local fans.
However, the Taliban’s crackdown on the sport began shortly after they regained control of the country. In 2021, the group introduced legislation prohibiting “face-punching,” effectively outlawing MMA competitions. Some also reported facing threats and harassment from Taliban officials. Apparently the Taliban take umbrage to the part of MMA where one is allowed to deliver strikes to the face.
Despite occasional signs of softening, such as the ability of leading fighter Ahmad Wali Hotak to hold a press conference in Kabul and compete in Russia, the majority of MMA competitors had already fled the country before this latest announcement.
Afghanistan has several representatives in UFC including the Basharat brothers.
Basharat was prohibited from entering the octagon using Afghanistan’s flag. The flag was changed after the Taliban took control of the country, therefore making it “non-official” by UFC standards. It’s also possible the Afghanistan consulate refused to approve it. Not unlikely considering how they feel about MMA.
The Afghan star posted on social media that he is very sad about not being able to use his country’s flag in the past.
On an Instagram story, he wrote:
“They won’t let me carry my flag again and it won’t be on my fight kit,” said the 26-year-old fighter, “such a shame it was always a dream of mine”
The Taliban’s decision to ban MMA is yet another blow to Afghanistan’s sports landscape, with the country’s athletes facing increasing restrictions and challenges in the wake of the Taliban’s return to power. As the world watches, the future of martial arts in Afghanistan remains uncertain.
