Afghanistan’s national ju-jitsu team has returned home after competing at the Ju-Jitsu World Championships in Kazakhstan, where Mustafa Wakili secured a bronze medal in the men’s 69kg full-contact division.
Kabul | By Sara Amiri
Afghanistan’s national ju-jitsu delegation returned to the country on July 21 after participating in the Ju-Jitsu World Championships in Kazakhstan, where the team was officially welcomed by the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
Afghanistan was represented at the tournament by two athletes and one coach.
Mustafa Wakili claimed a bronze medal in the 69kg full-contact category. He advanced from his opening bout after his opponent failed to appear before losing his second contest to a Kazakh competitor, earning a place on the podium.
Meanwhile, Sarwar Hosseini competed in the 69kg Newaza division but was eliminated after defeats in his bouts and did not finish among the medalists.
The championship was hosted by Kazakhstan from July 11 to 19 and featured athletes from 49 countries, providing a competitive international platform for the sport.
Wakili’s bronze medal was Afghanistan’s sole medal at the tournament.
The Ju-Jitsu World Championships are among the sport’s premier international competitions, bringing together elite athletes from around the world across multiple weight classes and disciplines. Afghanistan has continued to participate in international combat sports events, with its athletes gaining valuable experience and occasionally securing podium finishes despite limited resources.