Afghanistan Bans Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for Violating Islamic Law
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has prohibited mixed martial arts (MMA) within the country, citing its incompatibility with Islamic principles. The decision was made following an investigation by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which concluded that MMA contravenes Islamic law (sharia).
According to a statement released by the Taliban’s sports authority, “It was found that the sport is problematic with respect to sharia and it has many aspects which are contradictory to the teachings of Islam.” The authority emphasized that the ban was necessary to uphold Islamic values.
An official from the sports authority further explained that MMA was deemed too violent and posed a risk of injury or death. This aligns with the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has led to the implementation of various regulations on behavior and dress.
The ban on MMA has sparked concern among Afghan athletes, as martial arts are popular sports in the country. Four Afghan athletes who competed at the Paris Games were martial arts practitioners. However, MMA has not been recognized as an Olympic sport due to safety concerns.
The Taliban’s decision to ban MMA highlights the challenges faced by athletes in Afghanistan under the current regime. The government’s strict adherence to Islamic law has restricted participation in certain sports and activities, particularly for women.
