Kazakhstan has offered to host Afghan athletes and sports teams for training programmes and friendly competitions as officials from the two countries explore closer sporting relations.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Kabul between Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Gaziz Akbassov, and Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Olympic, Physical Education and Sports.
According to information released following the meeting, Akbassov expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to expand exchanges between athletes and sports organisations from the two countries.
The ambassador proposed hosting Afghan athletes and teams for training programmes in Kazakhstan and arranging friendly competitions involving representatives of both countries.
The discussions also covered opportunities for Afghan athletes to participate in sporting events held in Kazakhstan and for Kazakh athletes to take part in competitions involving Afghanistan.
Wasiq welcomed the proposal and said joint camps and friendly matches could contribute to stronger sporting relations between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan.
However, the announcement did not identify which sports would be included. It also provided no timetable, funding arrangement, athlete-selection process or confirmation that formal agreements had been signed.
Those details will determine how many Afghan athletes can benefit and whether the proposed cooperation develops into regular training and competition opportunities.
Kazakhstan has established facilities and international experience across several sports in which Afghan athletes also compete, including wrestling, boxing, judo, taekwondo and other combat disciplines.
Access to organised training camps and competitive matches could give Afghan athletes additional preparation and international exposure, particularly in disciplines where opportunities for overseas competition remain limited.
The proposal remains at the discussion stage pending further announcements from the sports authorities of the two countries.
