A three-day international traditional wrestling festival brought athletes from seven countries to Kabul from Thursday to Saturday, according to Afghanistan's General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport.
Competitors from Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey took part in traditional wrestling disciplines including Kurash, Sambo, Rostami wrestling and belt wrestling, the directorate said in a statement.
Organizers described it as the most significant international sporting event held in the city in recent years.
"It is a proud moment for Afghanistan. Long associated with war and conflict, the country is now hosting international athletes, an achievement that fills Afghans with pride," said Ahmadullah Waseeq, director general of the Afghanistan Olympic, Physical Education and Sports Authority.
Afghan athletes competed alongside visiting delegations with a strong sense of pride, with many seeing the event as a rare chance to represent their country on home ground.
Participants said the event went beyond competition, serving as a platform to foster connection and mutual respect through sportsmanship.
"I was very enthusiastic about these competitions and had been preparing for a long time. I trained tirelessly at my club and earned my place in the 100-kilogram weight category after advancing through multiple domestic-level selection rounds," said Nek Mohamad Arian, a local athlete.
"It is not about winning or losing, in my opinion at least. Of course, everybody has come here to win, but it's about brotherhood and friendship," said Afehan Shaheen, a Turkish athlete.
The three-day tournament sparked a surge of enthusiasm inside Kabul's wrestling arena, where athletes and spectators alike embraced the rare chance to come together, compete, and celebrate the unifying spirit of sport.
"I'm very glad that so many international athletes are being hosted in our city and competing here in Kabul. Three days are not enough -- I would love to see the competition continue for three months," said Amirshah Mirzada, a local spectator.
International traditional wrestling festival held in Afghan capital
