The Taliban government in Afghanistan has officially banned mixed martial arts (MMA), deeming the sport inconsistent with Islamic principles, according to a statement from the country’s sports authority. The decision, handed down by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, follows an investigation into the sport’s adherence to Islamic law.
The sports authority cited concerns over MMA’s violent nature and potential risks of injury or death as key reasons for the ban. The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, implemented since their return to power in 2021, has led to numerous restrictions on public and personal life, including recent regulations on dress and behavior.
In addition to this ban, female sports in Afghanistan have faced severe restrictions since the Taliban’s takeover, with many women fleeing the country to escape persecution. The Taliban’s governance has notably curtailed women’s rights, including their access to education, a situation the UN has condemned as potentially amounting to a crime against humanity.
Martial arts are a popular sport in Afghanistan, with four of the 11 Afghan athletes competing in the Paris Games being martial arts practitioners. Despite its popularity, MMA is not recognized as an Olympic sport due to safety concerns.
