By RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi July 28, 2025 The circumstances of Naveed Ahmad’s life have imposed many restrictions on the impoverished Afghan teenager. He can’t travel abroad, pursue his dream of getting a university degree, or even afford to eat out with friends. But the one thing the 19-year-old never lost access to was his favorite sport
Khaama: World Chess Day celebrates chess’s global benefits in education, peace, and inclusion, while the game remains banned in Afghanistan, risking its cultural loss. On July 20, the United Nations celebrated World Chess Day, highlighting chess as a powerful tool for education, sustainable development, peace, and social inclusion globally. Click here to read more (external
Amu: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s reported ban on chess in Afghanistan, calling the move “regrettable” and warning it could have a lasting impact on the development of the sport in the country. In a statement, FIDE said it is in consultation with the International Olympic Committee,
Afghanistan International: The Taliban’s Sports Authority has formally suspended the Afghanistan Chess Federation, declaring the game of chess “haram” (forbidden under Islamic law), Afghanistan International has learned. The game has now been officially banned, following in the footsteps of other sports such as mixed martial arts, which were previously outlawed under similar justifications. Click here
Ariana: Afghanistan will have a seven-member chess team in India this week for the 44th World Team Chess Tournament. According to the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports of Afghanistan (GDoPESA), the tournament will start on Wednesday and run through until August 10. Click here to read more (external link).