Afghanistan’s national wushu team will compete in the 20th Asian Wushu Championships in Japan later this year, the country’s federation said.
The Afghanistan Wushu Federation said athletes were selected last week in Kabul following national trials in the sanda, or combat, division.
The selected fighters include Shahzada in the 56-kilogram category, Hamed Sharifi in 65 kg, Mohammad Khalid Hotak in 70 kg and Jafar Soltani in 75 kg.
One more athlete will be selected in the taolu, or forms, discipline to complete the squad.
The coaches, Mohammad Mahfooz Wafa and Ehsan Ahmad Karokhi, will accompany the team in the sanda and taolu categories.
The Asian Wushu Championships are scheduled to take place in September in Japan, bringing together athletes from across the region to compete in multiple disciplines.
Afghanistan has continued to participate in international sporting events, with combat sports such as wushu, taekwondo and martial arts remaining among the country’s more active and competitive fields.
However, women have been barred from all types of sports after Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
