Abdul Azim Badakshi is one of the only Afghan MMA fighters. Photo: Reproduction/ Matrix Fight Night
The Taliban government has banned the practice of martial arts in Afghanistan. The decision, announced by the Moral Police, is due to the alleged incompatibility of the sport with the precepts of Islamic law, Sharia, which is the legal system of religious belief. According to an official statement, an investigation concluded that the sport presents several aspects that contradict the teachings of Islam.
The violence inherent in the sport was cited as a key reason for the ban, with authorities expressing concern about the risk of serious injury and even death.
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“It has been found that the sport is problematic in terms of Sharia. It has many aspects that contradict the teachings of Islam. Therefore, it has been decided to ban mixed martial arts in Afghanistan,” the Taliban government’s sports official told AFP.
MMA in Afghanistan
The Taliban's decision contrasts with the popularity of martial arts in Afghanistan. Four of the 11 Afghan athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics were martial arts practitioners. However, MMA, although widely practiced globally, is not yet recognized as an Olympic sport, in part due to concerns about athlete safety.
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