The indefinite chess suspension reflects the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, sidelining recreational activities, especially for youths and women.
**Taliban Puts Chess on Hold Citing Religious Concerns**
**Taliban Puts Chess on Hold Citing Religious Concerns**
Taliban authorities suspend chess, labeling it a potential source of gambling, intensifying sports restrictions in Afghanistan.
The Taliban's recent decision to suspend chess in Afghanistan underscores their deepening enforcement of stringent regulations tied to Islamic law. The authorities announced that the game is prohibited until it can be clarified whether it aligns with Islamic teachings. This move is seen as a continuation of the Taliban’s broader crackdown on recreational activities, particularly those deemed incompatible with their austere version of Sharia.
Atal Mashwani, the spokesman for the Taliban's sports division, stated that chess is considered potentially linked to gambling, prompting the suspension. Religious concerns over the sport have led to these drastic measures. "Until these considerations are addressed, the sport of chess is suspended in Afghanistan," he conveyed, indicating a firm stance on the matter.
This ban comes as part of a larger pattern of restricting sports under the Taliban regime, which regained power in August 2021. Women have faced significant prohibitions, effectively being barred from participating in sports altogether. Local entrepreneurs, such as café owner Azizullah Gulzada, express concern over the decision's negative impact on social interactions. His café, known for hosting chess matches, catered to numerous young people seeking recreational activities amidst limited options.
In addition to chess, the Taliban had previously outlawed mixed martial arts (MMA), citing violence and incompatibility with Islamic principles as reasons. This pattern of restrictions applies broadly to various forms of entertainment and sports, as the Taliban upholds its strict interpretation of religious law, leaving little room for leisure activities. The future of chess and other previously popular pursuits in Afghanistan remains uncertain as the authorities weigh religious interpretations against cultural practices.
Atal Mashwani, the spokesman for the Taliban's sports division, stated that chess is considered potentially linked to gambling, prompting the suspension. Religious concerns over the sport have led to these drastic measures. "Until these considerations are addressed, the sport of chess is suspended in Afghanistan," he conveyed, indicating a firm stance on the matter.
This ban comes as part of a larger pattern of restricting sports under the Taliban regime, which regained power in August 2021. Women have faced significant prohibitions, effectively being barred from participating in sports altogether. Local entrepreneurs, such as café owner Azizullah Gulzada, express concern over the decision's negative impact on social interactions. His café, known for hosting chess matches, catered to numerous young people seeking recreational activities amidst limited options.
In addition to chess, the Taliban had previously outlawed mixed martial arts (MMA), citing violence and incompatibility with Islamic principles as reasons. This pattern of restrictions applies broadly to various forms of entertainment and sports, as the Taliban upholds its strict interpretation of religious law, leaving little room for leisure activities. The future of chess and other previously popular pursuits in Afghanistan remains uncertain as the authorities weigh religious interpretations against cultural practices.
