Over 100 athletes compete across five age categories as Kabul stages a major national badminton event with international presence.
KABUL | By Sara Amiri
The 2026 Kabul Badminton Championship has officially begun, bringing together more than 100 athletes from four selected teams in a structured national competition.
Organized by the National Badminton Federation with the support of the General Directorate of Olympic, Physical Education and Sports, and financially backed by the Najib Talash Charity Foundation, the tournament is being held at the 2,500-seat indoor gymnasium in Kabul. The opening ceremony was attended by senior sports officials, international diplomats, and representatives of various sporting bodies.
The competition is being contested across five age categories, including under-13, under-15, under-17, under-19, and senior (20+), reflecting a broad developmental approach. In the opening match, Mohammad Sadiq Barakzai defeated Ahmad Fahim Ziaei in straight sets, recording the first win.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of the national sports authority, highlighted recent international achievements by Afghan athletes and described them as significant milestones. He reaffirmed continued institutional support to ensure stronger performances in future international competitions.
The event also witnessed the international representatives, including officials from the Russian Embassy, Türkiye, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, underlining the growing visibility of Afghanistan’s domestic sports initiatives.
The organization of national-level badminton competitions reflects ongoing efforts to expand the country’s sporting base beyond traditional disciplines. By integrating multiple age groups and attracting international observers, such events contribute to long-term athlete development and institutional credibility.
In a sporting environment shaped by limited resources, these initiatives serve as important platforms for talent identification, competitive exposure, and gradual alignment with international standards.