Small Afghan delegation heads to China for Asian competition, aiming to gain exposure on the continental stage.
KABUL | By Taieb Khatizwal
Afghanistan’s national athletes in Ju-Jitsu and Pahlwani have departed for China to participate in the Asian Ju-Jitsu and Beach Wrestling Games, marking another step in the country’s efforts to maintain international sporting presence despite ongoing structural limitations.
The delegation includes two athletes and one official representing Ju-Jitsu, alongside two athletes and one official from Pahlwani, who are set to compete against participants from more than 40 Asian nations in the coastal city of Sanya.
The team was officially seen off by officials from the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, including Director General Ahmadullah Wasiq, who expressed support for the athletes and emphasized the importance of international participation for national representation.
The competition is scheduled to begin on April 16 and will run until April 29, bringing together a diverse field of competitors across Asia in both disciplines.
Afghanistan’s participation in regional and continental sporting events remains constrained by limited resources and institutional challenges. However, continued involvement in multi-nation competitions reflects an effort to sustain athlete development and maintain visibility within the Asian sporting framework.