Taliban issues statement banning MMA in Afghanistan after investigation into Islamic law compliance: "The sport is problematic"
In the latest sports updates from the world of MMA, the Taliban regime, which regained control of Afghanistan in Aug. 2021, has banned the sport after an investigation into Islamic law compliance.
According to a report by BBC, an official from the Taliban's sports authority claimed that the sport is not compatible with Islamic traditions. He further went on to claim that the sport is too violent in nature and holds little potential for growth in the nation. The updates come at a time when several fighters from the region have established bases abroad to pursue successful careers in the sport.
Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, the government body responsible for enforcing strict adherence to Islamic laws, initially passed down the order, which was later testified by the Taliban's General Directorate on Physical Education and Sport. Shedding light on the ban in a statement:
"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. That’s why this decision has been made."
The Taliban infamously banned MMA after regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021 prohibiting punching in the face. Meanwhile, several fighters, including Afghan-born English UFC bantamweight contender Javid Basharat, continue to make strides in the sport.
When an Afghani MMA fighter shed light on uncertain future amid Taliban rule
Ever since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have imposed restrictions on several sports. Most recently, they issued a ban on MMA for its violent nature.
Wahed Nazhand, a popular star from the regional MMA circuit in the nation, claimed in an Insider News feature in 2021, that he harbors fear regarding the future of the sport in the country. The video was filmed around the time the Taliban was approaching Kabul.
MMA became popular in Afghanistan with several organizations like the Snow Leopard Fighting Championship boasting a substantial following. Nazhand revealed that in Kabul, there were approximately 120 gyms dedicated to training aspiring MMA fighters, and the Afghan TV broadcasts at least 50 matches annually, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity.
However, Nazhand revealed that his MMA gym that he ran in the outskirts of Kabul was closed when the Taliban took over the capital. The self-funded fighter now competes in Czech-Slovak organization Okatgon MMA. Earlier this year, he picked up a split-decision win over Jakub Bahnik in March.
Check out the video below: