May 12, 2025
2 mins read

Taliban Bans Chess in Afghanistan

The decision places chess-related activities on hold indefinitely in Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News

The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan due to religious concerns, continuing its opposition to various forms of entertainment and sports, Khaama Press reported.

As per reports, the decision was taken due to “religious considerations” and restrictions announced by the Taliban’s Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

The decision places chess-related activities on hold indefinitely in Afghanistan. Officials from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports confirmed the suspension of chess activities on May 11, stating that the sport will remain banned in the nation until suitable responses are found regarding religious concerns.

As per reports, no activities related to chess would be allowed to resume without addressing these issues. Taliban’s Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has also dissolved the Afghanistan Chess Federation, terming the game “haram” (forbidden) as per the interpretation of the Islamic law, Khaama Press reported.

The decision follows a growing trend of restrictions imposed by the Taliban on cultural, social and sporting events in Afghanistan since it seized power. Before the Taliban’s announcement regarding the ban, several chess players and enthusiasts reportedly requested permission and financial support from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports to continue their activities. However, the Taliban announced the ban, further complicating their efforts to play the game.

Chess, once considered an intellectual sport in Afghanistan, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with the national federation operating under the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports, Khaama Press reported. The Taliban’s recent stance, citing Islamic legal interpretations, demonstrated their broader strategy to restrict cultural and recreational activities in Afghanistan.

The ban on playing chess demonstrates the Taliban’s increasing restrictions on freedoms in Afghanistan. The Taliban has also imposed several restrictions on women in Afghanistan. It remains to be seen how long these policies will last or whether the international community will be able to pressurise the Taliban to reverse their decisions.

Earlier in February, the Taliban announced that students from March 22 will have to wear the new Taliban-issued uniform. The decision was published on February 27.

According to the notice, students in classes 1st to 9th must wear a blue shirt, pants, and a white hat. Students in classes 10th to 12th must wear a white shirt, pants and a headscarf or turban, Khaama Press reported.

Previously, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada signed a nine-point decree stating that all public and private school uniforms would include a shirt, pants, turban, and white hat. The bill did not include the details regarding uniforms for female teachers or students. The colour of the uniform for female students is black.

Since seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has banned girls from pursuing studies in schools above sixth class and closed the doors of universities and medical educational centres to them. (ANI)

Previous Story

State Salute for Terrorist? Pak Top Brass at LeT Rites

Next Story

Bangladesh Can’t Afford This Ban

Latest from -Top News

Goyal Courts Global CEOs in Paris

Piyush Goyal is on an official trip to France with the aim of boosting trade and investments…reports Asian Lite News Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with leading global CEOs in

India Gains Malaysia’s Backing on Terror

The visit of the all-party delegation to Malaysia is part of India’s strategic outreach to garner international support against cross-border terrorism emanating from the soil of Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News An Indian

Hasina Charged with Crimes Against Humanity

The charges, which were made public on Sunday, mark a significant turn in the political landscape of Bangladesh…reports Asian Lite News Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been formally charged with

180 Years of Indian Roots in Caribbean

The Indian Arrival Day is marked on 30th May, when the first ship ‘Fatel Razack’ carrying 225 Indian indentured workers reached the shores of Trinidad, then a British colony….reports Asian Lite News

Call to Greylist Pakistan Over Terror Links

Freddy Svane, the former Danish Ambassador to India, said that it is high time for the world to acknowledge that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terrorism in the region….reports Asian Lite News
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Afghan girls team evacuation to UK lands in controversy

The mercy mission has been soured by a bitter war

UN special envoy meets Taliban representative

Knudsen has been holding regular consultations and discussions with all