The Afghan Taliban declared the shah haram. The Taliban government’s Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Corruption said the game of chess was banned and the Afghanistan Chess Federation was closed. About this informs Amu TV.
On May 9, Afghan chess players appealed to the country’s authorities to allow them to continue playing chess, as well as to provide financial support for the organization of chess clubs and competitions. However, representatives of the Department of Sports and Physical Education of the Taliban reported that according to the emir’s decree, chess was officially declared a prohibited activity, and the federation lost its right to exist.
Despite the Taliban coming to power, the Afghan Chess Federation continued its activities, organizing training for men and women and holding tournaments throughout the country. The federation called on the media to highlight the anxiety of the athletes, who found themselves in an uncertain situation and worried about the future of one of the most stable intellectual sports in the world.
In most countries, chess is considered an intellectual and educational sport, but in Afghanistan, which is under the control of the Taliban, this game is now under an outright ban. Afghan chess players note that their sport is currently facing serious challenges.
