The Taliban government has imposed an indefinite ban on chess in Afghanistan, claiming the game contradicts Islamic principles due to its perceived association with gambling.
Atal Mashwani, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s sports directorate, said the suspension stemmed from religious concerns. He stated that under their interpretation of Islamic law, chess is seen as a form of gambling, and would remain prohibited until such issues are resolved.
This latest restriction continues a broader pattern of limitations on sports and cultural activities since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Women have been largely excluded from sporting events, and several sports, including mixed martial arts (MMA), have already been banned. Taliban officials previously described MMA as incompatible with Islamic values, citing concerns over violence and modesty.
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The chess ban has drawn criticism from citizens and local business owners alike. Azizullah Gulzada, who runs a café in Kabul where informal chess games were regularly held, noted that the move has upset many young players and could hurt his business. He pointed out that chess had become a peaceful way for youth to gather and pass the time, especially in a country with limited recreational options.
Gulzada also questioned the justification for the ban, highlighting that chess continues to be played in many other Muslim-majority nations without issue. His remarks echoed growing frustrations among young Afghans who feel increasingly cut off from cultural life under the Taliban’s strict policies.
As the Taliban continues to enforce its interpretation of Islamic law, critics warn that these measures are isolating the country further and stalling its social development. It remains uncertain whether chess or other previously banned sports will ever return to the Afghan public sphere.