Two-day event brings together over 200 coaches, officials and athletes to discuss sports science and development
Herat | Sara Amiri
A two-day scientific sports seminar held in Herat this week reflects a growing effort within Afghanistan’s provincial sports structures to strengthen professional knowledge in athlete health, psychology and sports management. The initiative signals an increasing recognition that modern sports development requires more than competition alone, relying instead on structured education and institutional capacity building.
Organized by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports of Herat province, the seminar brought together more than 200 participants, including officials from provincial sports federations, coaches from local sports clubs, trainers and athletes. The event was hosted at the auditorium of a private university in Herat and focused on interdisciplinary discussions linking sports science with practical athletic development.
Participants attended sessions covering several key areas of modern sports practice, including sports science, sports management, sports psychology and athlete nutrition. The discussions aimed to enhance the technical knowledge of coaches and administrators while equipping athletes with a broader understanding of physical preparation and mental resilience.
Opening the seminar, Mufti Abdul Rahim Rahmani, Director of Physical Education and Sports in Herat, emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to athlete development. He highlighted the need to balance physical fitness with psychological well-being, while maintaining strong managerial discipline within sports organizations and reinforcing ethical and moral values within the sports community.
The gathering also served as a platform for strengthening cooperation between sports federations, club instructors and athletes in the province, reflecting efforts to create a more structured environment for sports education and training.
Background
Afghanistan’s sports sector has increasingly emphasized educational initiatives and technical training programs as part of broader development efforts. In recent years, provincial sports authorities and federations have sought to expand seminars and workshops aimed at improving coaching standards, athlete welfare and organizational management. Such initiatives reflect a gradual shift toward integrating sports science and professional management into the country’s evolving athletic landscape.