Afghanistan’s seven-member wushu delegation returned home from the Asian Games in Japan on Saturday after securing two bronze medals, with the country’s sports authorities holding a reception for the returning athletes.
Mohammad Khalid Hotak won bronze in the men’s 70kg division, while Hamid Ashrafi claimed another bronze in the 65kg category.
Hotak defeated opponents from Yemen and Indonesia to secure his medal before losing to a Chinese competitor in his next bout.
Ashrafi followed a similar path, beating competitors from Macao, China, and Indonesia before losing to a Chinese opponent.
The delegation comprised four athletes, two coaches and a team official.
The returning team was welcomed at a ceremony attended by Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Olympics, Physical Education and Sports; technical deputy Ahmad Jan Zadran; Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani; and national wushu federation president Bulbul Shah Khalid.
Speaking at the reception, Wasiq congratulated the medal winners and described the two bronze medals as a significant achievement for Afghanistan.
Qani also praised the athletes’ participation in the Games and attributed their results to their efforts and support from the country’s sports authorities.
The homecoming follows Afghanistan’s two podium finishes in wushu at the 2026 Asian Games, adding a new development to the team’s medal-winning campaign.
