Afghanistan has been admitted as a member of the International Kickboxing Federation, the National Olympic Committee said, a move it said could allow athletes to compete more regularly in international events.
The committee said in a statement that the International Kickboxing Federation had approved the membership of Afghanistan’s kickboxing federation and recognised Mohammadshir Hashemi as its president.
The committee said Afghanistan’s kickboxing federation had not been affiliated with a global body for more than two decades, a gap that prevented some athletes from taking part in international competitions due to the lack of formal recognition, facilities and financial support.
It said membership in the international federation would enable Afghan kickboxers to participate officially in overseas tournaments and strengthen links with global sports organisations.
Sports in Afghanistan have faced major challenges in recent years amid economic hardship and restrictions imposed under the Taliban, though male athletes continue to compete in several disciplines.
