Mohammad Yousuf Jahangir reached the 75-kilogram Muay Thai final on Thursday, ensuring Afghanistan its first medal of the tournament.
Riyadh | by Sayer Zaland
Afghanistan secured its first podium finish at the Islamic Solidarity Games after Mohammad Yousuf Jahangir advanced to the muay thai final in the 75-kilogram division, defeating opponents from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to guarantee at least a silver medal.
Jahangir, competing under conditions far from the resources seen in top regional programs, maintained steady control throughout both bouts. Judges cited his consistency in close-range exchanges and his ability to slow the pace when required, a tactical approach that allowed him to outscore his rivals.
“This is not just a personal moment,” Jahangir said after the semifinal. “It is important for people back home to see Afghanistan represented positively.”
Members of the Afghan delegation said the performance had come at a welcome time for a squad that often trains with limited facilities. One official said the result had lifted the team’s morale ahead of the final.
The Islamic Solidarity Games gather athletes from Muslim-majority nations across a wide range of sports. Afghanistan has continued to participate despite financial constraints and a disrupted domestic sporting structure, using the event as one of the few international platforms where its athletes can compete regularly.
