Taliban Bans MMA in Afghanistan, Citing Islamic Law

In a significant shift, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has officially banned mixed martial arts (MMA), declaring the sport too violent and inconsistent with Islamic principles. The ban, announced on August 27, follows a directive from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. The Ministry’s General Directorate on Physical Education and Sport stated that MMA’s aggressive nature conflicts with Sharia law and Islamic teachings.

The decision reflects the ongoing struggle between modern sports and traditional values in Afghanistan. MMA, which has surged in popularity among Afghan youth over the past two decades, had already faced restrictions since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Competitions were previously outlawed, and fighters reported threats and harassment from Taliban officials. Many MMA enthusiasts and athletes fled the country due to these oppressive measures.

Notably, four of the 11 Afghans who participated in sports at the Paris Olympics, either on national or refugee teams, were former martial artists. The Mixed Martial Arts Federation, established in 2008, and local organizations like the Afghanistan Fighting Championship (AFC) and Truly Grand Fighting Championship (TGFC) had contributed to the sport’s growth despite these challenges.

The ban underscores the broader tension between Afghanistan’s evolving socio-political landscape and global sporting trends. As MMA’s future in the country remains uncertain, its passionate following faces an uncertain path amid stringent regulations and shifting political winds.