The inaugural Afghanistan Premier Wrestling League has begun in Kabul, bringing together 10 teams from across the country. The 10-day competition aims to identify emerging talent and strengthen the development of traditional wrestling in Afghanistan.
Kabul | By Niaz Shinwari
The first edition of the Afghanistan Premier Wrestling League got underway in Kabul on Tuesday, with 10 teams from across the country competing in a 10-day tournament organized by the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation under the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
The competition is being held at the 2,500-seat Gymnasium and features wrestlers competing in weight categories ranging from 57kg to 125kg.
The opening ceremony was attended by Director General of the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, Deputy Director for Technical and Professional Affairs Hafiz Ahmad Jan Zadran, Sports Adviser and President of the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation Qari Hayatullah Rahmani, Islamic Emirate spokesman Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, Afghanistan Bodybuilding Federation President and National Olympic Committee Vice President Bawar Hotak, Buzkashi Federation President Haji Ghulam Sarwar Jalal, sports officials, athletes and supporters.
Addressing the ceremony, Wasiq described wrestling as one of Afghanistan’s oldest and most popular sports, noting the country’s history of success in regional and international competitions.
“Wrestling is one of Afghanistan’s traditional sports and enjoys strong public support,” he said, adding that the sports administration remains committed to supporting athletes and the development of the discipline.
He also thanked Ariana Television for broadcasting the competition.
Mujeeb Rahman Bahir, Director of Broadcasting at Ariana Television, welcomed the launch of the league and praised the sports administration for creating national-level competitions that provide opportunities for Afghan athletes. He said the broadcaster would ensure high-quality coverage throughout the tournament.
Qari Hayatullah Rahmani, President of the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation, said the launch of the league marked an important step for the sport after a lengthy absence of national league competition. He expressed confidence that the tournament would contribute to the growth of wrestling and pledged that the matches would be conducted fairly and transparently.
The tournament will conclude with the crowning of the champion team and the top-performing wrestlers in each weight category.
Wrestling is one of Afghanistan’s oldest traditional sports and has produced several athletes who have represented the country in regional, Asian and international competitions. The newly launched Afghanistan Premier Wrestling League is intended to provide a structured national competition while identifying talented wrestlers for future national team selection.