Afghanistan has named Hikmatullah Zain and Ali Akbar Amiri as its two taekwondo representatives for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, according to the Afghanistan Taekwondo Federation.
Bakhtar News Agency reported that Amiri secured his place after defeating Omid Sahak in a national selection bout. Zain had already obtained Afghanistan’s berth in the under-68kg division.
Amiri is expected to compete in the men’s over-80kg category, the heavyweight division used for the Asian Games. His international record includes a bronze medal in the over-87kg class at the 2022 Asian Championships and appearances at world and continental events.
Zain has also represented Afghanistan internationally. He won silver at the 2025 Asian Open Championship in Islamabad and has competed in the under-68kg division at recent Asian events.
The 20th Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan. The Olympic Council of Asia lists Afghanistan among the participating national Olympic committees.
The selection announcement did not provide the athletes’ bout dates, coaching arrangements or preparation schedule. The complete Afghan delegation for the Games has not yet been detailed in the federation’s report.
