He chess has been officially prohibited in Afghanistan due to religious objectionsaccording to an official of the National Olympic Committee of the country, eliminating another activity of the life of Afghans under the current Taliban government. The decision was confirmed to EFE by aftspokesman for the National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan. “Due to religious concerns regarding the game, chess has been suspended in the country for an indefinite period,” he said.
The suspension occurs in the midst of greater scrutiny of various activities by the Taliban authorities. “There is religious concerns With respect to the sport of chess, “Mashwani explained.” It is also prohibited by the law of the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Therefore, until these concerns are addressed, chess sport is suspended In Afghanistan, “he added.
Although a period for a possible reinstatement of chess in the country has not been established, the decision reflects the growing influence of the Conservative interpretations of the Islamic law in Afghan sports activities. Some Islamic scholars affirm that sports that fit Islamic principles are not only permissible, but in some cases even encourage.
“All sports that do not harm health, do not threaten human dignity, do not imply financial corruption or distract from religious duties are permissible,” Mohammad Saleh Islampur told Efe. The indefinite suspension of chess in Afghanistan highlights the continuous tension between traditional cultural activities and strict religious guidelines imposed by the Taliban government.
