Afghanistan’s athletes won four gold medals, one silver and one bronze at Powerlifting Championship in Belarus, which was held from May 6 to May 10 in Belarus.
According to the Taliban-run General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, the gold medals were won by Fawad Shirinsokhan, Jaber Shirinsokhan, Noor Ahmad Sakhizada and Mirwais Rafiizada.
Rohullah Khairandish won a silver medal, while Hamidullah Hakimi secured bronze.
Afghanistan’s delegation included six athletes and one coach competing across several age categories, including junior, masters and open divisions.
The Powerlifting Federation had previously said Afghan athletes were unable to participate in some international competitions last year because of unspecified restrictions, but said opportunities for international participation had recently improved.
Powerlifting and combat sports remain among Afghanistan’s most active international sports.
Male athletes have continued to participate in international tournaments in sports including cricket, mixed martial arts, bodybuilding and powerlifting.
Women and girls, however, have effectively been barred from all types of sports for more than four years under Taliban rule.
International sports and human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the exclusion of Afghan women from sports and public athletic participation.
