Afghan Athlete, Stanakzai, advances to the final after defeating Uzbek and Kyrgyz opponents
Tashkent | By Taieb Khatizwal
Afghan martial arts athlete Rohid Stanakzai delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Martial Arts Championships for the 16–18 age category, winning his first two consecutive bouts in the 60kg weight division.
Stanakzai defeated opponents from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and is set to compete in the final on Saturday against a Kazakh rival.
Meanwhile, another Afghan athlete, Fayaz Ahmad Ibrahimi, competing in the 80kg weight category, lost his opening bout to a Tajik opponent. He is scheduled to face an Uzbek athlete in his second match.
The Asian Martial Arts Championships are being hosted by Uzbekistan with participation from more than 20 countries. Afghanistan is represented by five athletes, along with an official delegation and one coach.
The tournament began on May 16 and will conclude on May 20, showcasing young martial arts talent from across the continent.