The year 2024 proved to be a momentous one for global sports, with events ranging from the AFC, UEFA, and Copa América championships to the Cricket World Cup, the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Futsal World Cup. Afghanistan, too, made its mark on the international stage with standout performances in cricket and a historic debut in the Futsal World Cup.
AFC Asian Cup: Football fever in Qatar
The year began with the AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Qatar from January 12 to February 10. Twenty-four Asian teams vied for the championship, with Qatar defeating Jordan 3–1 in the final to claim the title for the second time.
Cricket World Cup: A historic run for Afghanistan
The 2024 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, saw India triumph over South Africa in the final. Afghanistan achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semifinals for the first time but fell to South Africa, narrowly missing a place in the final.
UEFA Euro 2024: A summer of European excitement
Held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, the UEFA European Championship captivated football fans across the continent. Spain claimed the trophy after defeating England in the final, adding another chapter to its storied football legacy.
Copa América: Argentina’s triumph
Simultaneously, South America’s Copa América enthralled fans, culminating in Argentina’s victory, which sparked celebrations across the continent.
Paris Olympics: A historic homecoming
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games marked the return of the Summer Olympics to France after a century. The games, which began two weeks after the conclusion of Euro 2024, featured an innovative opening ceremony along the Seine River. Afghanistan was represented by six athletes, including three women, competing in cycling, swimming, athletics, and judo.
Paralympics: Shining moments for Afghan athletes
The Paris Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, spotlighted Afghan athletes. Ibrahim Danishay, a para-taekwondo athlete, represented Afghanistan officially, while Zakia Khudadadi competed as part of the Refugee Team, earning a bronze medal in her discipline.
Futsal World Cup: Afghanistan’s debut
Uzbekistan hosted the 2024 Futsal World Cup, where Brazil clinched the championship. Afghanistan made its debut in the tournament, advancing to the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Paraguay, marking a historic achievement for the country in the sport.
Looking ahead to 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, the global sports calendar remains vibrant, with major events like women’s hockey and cricket tournaments, the Snooker World Cup, and the Asian Winter Games set to thrill fans in 2025.
This year reaffirmed the unifying power of sports, bringing nations together on fields, courts, and arenas while giving Afghanistan a chance to shine on the global stage.
