Afghanistan Unveils Futsal Squad for Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games
Afghanistan’s futsal team will compete among eight nations at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, with live coverage by Ariana Television Network.
Kabul | By Sayer Zaland
Afghanistan has officially announced its national futsal squad for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, set to take place from November 7 to 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The 6th edition of the Games, organized by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), will gather athletes from 57 member countries competing across more than 21 sports. Events include athletics, wrestling, football, martial arts, and new disciplines such as camel racing and e-sports.
Afghanistan’s futsal delegation, hailed as a symbol of national pride and resilience, will finalize its preparations at a training camp in Mashhad, Iran, starting October 25, before heading to Riyadh.
Eight teams will take part in the futsal competition: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Libya, and Azerbaijan. The official draw will be held on Thursday in Riyadh. According to organizers, Saudi Arabia and Iran will lead Groups A and B, respectively, while Afghanistan has been placed in Group B alongside Libya.
An official from the Afghanistan Football Federation described the lineup as “a balanced mix of experience and youthful energy,” adding that the players “carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its flag shine on the international stage.”
The 16-member Afghan squad includes Mohammad Jawad Safari, Ali Ahmad Mohseni, Mahdi Nawrozi, Reza Hussainpour, Abbas Haidari, Jawad Haidari, Hamid Reza Hussaini, Khodadad Ibrahimi, Sayed Murtaza Hussani, Farzad Mahmoodi, Mohammad Moradi, Bahman Gargich, Sayed Hussain Mosavi, Akbar Kazemi, Omid Qanbari, and Sayed Mujtaba Hussaini.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast the Games live and exclusively in Afghanistan, a first for the network, providing match coverage, highlights, and athlete features. “This is a proud moment for Afghanistan,” an ATN spokesperson said. “The Games embody unity, friendship, and competition, values that resonate deeply with our audience.”
Participation in Riyadh 2025 marks a significant step for Afghanistan’s return to international sport after years of limited activity. Afghan athletes will also compete in wrestling, taekwondo, weightlifting, and athletics.
First held in 2005, the Islamic Solidarity Games aim to strengthen cooperation among Muslim-majority nations through sport and cultural exchange. Saudi Arabia’s 2025 edition will emphasize youth inclusion and innovation, offering a platform for renewed engagement across the Islamic sporting community.
