Return of Local Competition Reflects Efforts to Sustain Sporting Structures to celebrate the First Afghan Olympic Medalist Rohullah Nikpai
Mazar-e-Sharif | By Farzana Momand
The 17th edition of the Gul-e-Sorkh Taekwondo Tournament has begun in Mazar-e-Sharif, bringing together athletes from seven provinces in an event dedicated to honoring Afghanistan’s first Olympic medalist, Rohullah Nikpai.
According to the Afghanistan Taekwondo Federation, the competition features participants from Balkh, Takhar, Jawzjan, Laghman, Samangan, Logar, and Paktia. The tournament includes both sparring (kyorugi) and forms (poomsae) disciplines. While kyorugi events are being held in the senior category, poomsae competitions are organized across five different age groups. The matches are scheduled to take place over two days, on the 6th and 7th of Sawr.
The resumption of the Gul-e-Sorkh tournament after several years of break highlights ongoing efforts to revive local sporting events that have faced interruptions due to broader institutional and political challenges. By combining competitive sport with commemoration, the event underscores attempts to preserve national sporting identity through references to landmark achievements such as Nikpai’s Olympic success.
Background:
The Gul-e-Sorkh Taekwondo Cup is considered one of the notable local sporting events in Mazar-e-Sharif, aimed at promoting taekwondo and supporting emerging athletes. Its revival reflects a wider pattern of localized initiatives seeking to sustain sports development amid constraints affecting national-level coordination.