Afghanistan’s Taliban government has prohibited mixed martial arts (MMA), according to a statement from their sports authority released on Wednesday.
The decision, endorsed by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, follows an investigation into the sport’s alignment with their interpretation of Islamic law. The sports authority communicated to AFP that MMA conflicts with Sharia, citing several aspects of the sport that contradict Islamic teachings.
Consequently, they have decided to implement a ban on MMA throughout Afghanistan. An official from the sports authority explained to local media that the ban partly stems from concerns over the sport’s violent nature and the potential risks of injury or death it poses.
Since their return to power in 2021, the Taliban have enforced a stringent version of Islamic law. They have also established a morality law that dictates strict guidelines on behaviour and attire, such as prohibiting men from wearing shorts above the knee.
Martial arts enjoy popularity in Afghanistan, as evidenced by four of the 11 Afghan athletes from the national and refugee Olympic teams competing in martial arts disciplines at the Paris Games. However, MMA has yet to be recognized as an Olympic sport, partially due to ongoing safety concerns.
