Afghan Sports News

December 31, 2012: Volleyball tournament ends in Kabul

By Sajid Hasan

A tournament aimed to select the best women players for Afghanistan's national women's volleyball team and for the junior team has ended in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s Volleyball Federation Manager, Younus Popalzai told Salam Watandar News Agency that 6 women teams from Kabul and one team from Herat and one team from Baghlan participated in the tournament. According to the report, 100 women players participated in the tournament. On the final day of the tournament, Red Crescent and Sofi Club played against each other, and Red Crescent won the tournament by 3-1 rounds. The team from Herat came in third place. Fourteen athletes were selected to the national women's team and 14 to the junior team.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 31, 2012: Helmand and Baghlan match ends in tie; Afghan athletes appreciated

By Sajid Hasan

In the ongoing provincial football (soccer) tournament currently being held in Kandahar province, Helmand took on Baghlan province today, December 31, 2012.  The match ended in a 1-1 tie.  The goal for Helmand was scored by Asadullah, and Basheer Ahmad scored the goal for Baghlan.   The tournament was started on December 25, 2012 between 7 provincial teams.

In other sports news, Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) reported yesterday that Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee held a special appreciation event for a number of Afghan athletes who won medals in combat sports. The athletes included boxers who had received bronze  medals, and 8 athletes from the sport of Full Contact who had participated in a tournament in Turkey and won medals. The BNA report stated that Mohammad Reza Bashir came in first place and was recognized as the best athlete, and Amir Hussein Haidari, head of the New Full Contact Federation was recognized as a great educator.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 29, 2012: Cricket team formed in Afghanistan

By Sajid Hasan

A new A level cricket team has been formed in Afghanistan to play three 50 over matches against Afghanistan's national cricket team. The first match will take place this coming Wednesday. The purpose of this team and the matches are to prepare the Afghan national team for upcoming matches and tournaments. According to the cricket board, the team members are: Fazel Niazay (Captain), Shair Sherzai (Deputy Captain), Abdullah Adel, Naseem Qassab, Bathen Shah Abdullah Mazari, Sami Khan, Shokur, Sher Khan, Ameer Mangal, Ahsan Mangal, Najeeb Tarakai, Rahmat Shah Zurmati, Zameer Khan, Mahmood Shenwary, Ubaid Kunary, Fazel Zazay, Naseem Khan and Saiful Rahman.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 29, 2012: Boxer killed in Jalalabad

By Sajid Hasan

A boxer was murdered by identified gunmen in Jalalabad, Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) reported today. A police spokesman told PAN that Warid Khan Safi was shot dead around 7 pm on Friday night in the Angorbagh area. An investigation into the murder has been launched, the police spokesman added. Boxer Noor Ahmed, a member of the national boxing team told PAN that Safi was a very competent boxer and had won several championships in Nangarhar province. A neighbor added that Safi had no enmity, he was just a boxer.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 27, 2012: Kandahar defeats Farah in football (soccer)

By Sajid Hasan

A provincial football (soccer) tournament which started on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 is currently underway in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar. According to the Kandahar Sports Directorate, in this 12 day tournament, besides host province Kandahar, teams from Helmand, Farah, Baghlan, Ghazni, and a team from the Pakistani city of Chaman are participating. On a game held yesterday (December 26th), Kandahar defeated Farah 2-0. Both goals for the Kandahar team were scored by Mohammad Qasim. The tournament was organized for the purpose of enhancing the relationships between the players and to further develop the sport in the province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 26, 2012: Volleyball tournament ends in Herat; football tournament starts in Herat; Bike race held in Kabul

By Sajid Hasan

A volleyball tournament among the girls' schools in Herat province ended today. According to the Bakhtar News Agency (BNA), the tournament was held to choose the best team to be the provincial elected team. According to the report, 10 teams participated. On the final day of the tournament, Malika Jalali High School and Tajrobavi teams played against each other, and Tajrobavi won.

Meanwhile, in Khost province, a football (soccer) tournament to select the best players for the provincial elected team has started. Ten teams are participating in the tournament. They are divided into groups of 5. Group A consists of the following teams: Cloob, Maidan, Matoon Baba, Shaheen and Almarhah. Group B consists of the following teams: Mujahid, Hemat, Ismaeel, Karwan and Cloob. In one of the matches held so far, Mujahid defeated Gharghasht 3-0.

Finally, a bicycle race took place place in Kabul. According to the Bakhtar News Agency (BNA), the event called the Shafafiat Jam (Transference Jam) was held to welcome the recent management election of the Olympic Committee. The race included 21 riders. They race was 85km, it started from the Olympic Committee building to Charkar City.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 24, 2012: Noor Mohammad Murad introduced as the new Chief Executive of ACB

By Sajid Hasan

Today in Kabul, Noor Mohammad Murad was introduced as the new Chief Executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) by the ACB head, General Director Shahzada Masood. Masood said that Murad was appointed as chief executive after considering his qualifications and experience. The final selection took place in front of Nasrullah Stanikzai, advisor to President Hamid Karzai,  and other top sports officials. Murad said that he will work hard for the ACB and help to further promote the sport of cricket in Afghanistan. He said that his priorities will be improve the domestic structure, enhance relations with donors, and to get more facilities for the players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 23, 2012: Shahzaad beats Ateeq Umar in local friendly cricket match

By Sajid Hasan

A one day friendly cricket match was played between two under 19 year old (U19) teams on Sunday, December 23, 2012 in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. According to a provincial cricket board official, the friendly match was held between the local teams in order to help develop the skills of the players. Ateeq Umar took on Shahzad at 1:00 pm local time in the presence of a large number of spectators. Ateeq Umar selected to bat first. They made 120 runs in 20 overs, losing all wickets. Shahzad reached the target in 18 overs, losing 5 wickets, thus winning the match. The man of the match honors went to Ahmad Rafai from the Shahzad team for making 30 runs and taking 3 wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 22, 2012: Azad beats Afghan Team in local football match

By Sajid Hasan

Local friendly or practice football (soccer) matches are held in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand amongst different teams on Fridays. This last Friday (December 21st), Azad went up against Afghan Team in a friendly football match. Azad defeated Afghan Team 2-1. The goals for Azad were made by Asadullah and Ghulam Sakhi. According to the provincial sports directorate, others sports beside football are played on Fridays in the province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 21, 2012: Volleyball tournament underway between security forces

By Sajid Hasan

The Coordination Volleyball Tournament started on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand between security forces. Helmand Radio Television (HRT) reported that the first match was between the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) Zone 707 and the Afghan National Police (ANP). According to the HRT report, ANCOP defeated ANP 14-9. HRT also reported that a high level delegation of Afghan security forces also attended the event to watch. Colonel Ghulam Sakhi, the commander of the ANCOP Zone 5, said the this tournament was arranged in order to enhance the coordination activities amongst the forces and to show the value of sports to the youth.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 20, 2012: Cricket tournament to end on Friday

By Sajid Hasan

A cricket tournament in progress in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar will end tomorrow, December 21st. The tournament, which was organized by the Kandahar Cricket Department, had started earlier this month between 14 local teams. Khpalwak and Arian cricket teams qualified to the final and they will play against each other tomorrow at 9 AM local time in the Ainu-Minah Stadium. A provincial cricket official said that they have invited top provincial government officials to attend the final match of the tournament. Kandahar is one of those provinces in Afghanistan where the sport of cricket has become very popular.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 19, 2012: Volleyball tournament underway in Herat

By Sajid Hasan

The Best League Volleyball Tournament started on Wednesday, December 18th in Afghanistan's western province of Herat. According to Abdul Qayyum Jami, the director of the sports department in Herat province, 6 local teams are taking part in the tournament. Jami said that the purpose of the tournament is to select the best team for an upcoming zone competition. Jami said that on the first day, the Herat University team beat the Public Health volleyball team 3-1. Jami also said that they really have been promoting the sport of volleyball in the province,  and that there are a lot of people in the province who have taken a liking to this classic sport. Jami finally added that sports are the best way for the youth to protect themselves from bad activities such as taking drugs.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 19, 2012: Women's basketball tournament underway; Afghan power lifters return home victorious

By Sajid Hasan

A women's basketball tournament started on December 18th between 4 local teams in Kabul. According to Shah Mahmood Raza, chief of the National Sports Association, the tournament will take three days. He added that the purpose of this tournament is to further develop women's basketball in the province. On the first day, the Rabbani Educational University team beat Maiwand 22-0, and Shamshad 202 Zone beat Ariana 19-9.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) reported today that Afghan power lifters that competed in an international competition in India have returned home. The Asian Powerlifting Classics Competition started on December 16th and ended today, December 19th. Lifters from 36 countries participated. Afghanistan won first placed, Japan came in second, and host country India finished third. According to the BNA report, the Afghans won 64 medals. They won 32 gold medals, 24 silver and 12 bronze medals. A total of 17 power lifters from Afghanistan, including 2 women took part in the competition. The Afghan female power lifters won gold medals.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 17, 2012: Aghbar re-elected as Afghan National Olympic Committee General Director

Mohammad Zahir Aghbar

By Sajid Hasan

Mohammad Zahir Aghbar has been re-elected as General Director of Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee for the second time. According to the Bakhtar News Agency (BNA),  a special election was held in the Serena Hotel in Kabul on December 15, 2012. The election took place in the presence of a team of independent election commission members, Waheed Kardani, representative of the Asian Council and World Council, and the heads of the National Olympic Committee departments. For the position of General Director, Aghbar ran against Amina Moqeem Jaweed. Aghbar got 52 out of 54 votes. In other elections, Jan Alemi Husseini was voted in, beating 4 others, for the post of Secretary General with 41 votes, and Samira Asghari won as the financial head of the committee with 21 votes.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 16, 2012: Afghan boxers return home with medals

By Sajid Hasan

The Afghan national boxing team returned home today from Kazakhstan. According to Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee, the boxers competed in a tournament which included boxers from 9 other countries. Five men and 2 women from Afghanistan participated. Afghan boxer Ostad Rezai won a bronze medal - he won 2 matches and lost one. The Afghan women who participated were also given honorary medals.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 15, 2012: Local football match held in Helmand; New book published on cricket

By Sajid Hasan

A one day local football (soccer) match was held between two teams in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand on Friday, December 14th. The teams, Bakhtar and Azad, played a friendly match so the players can further improve their skills and gain further experience. Bakhtar won the game 3-0. Two of the goals were scored by Zia and 1 by Gul Badeen.

According to the Helmand Football Federation, every Friday, they give different football teams opportunities to play friendly matches against each other to help improve their football skills. The federation announced also that in the coming future, they will arrange for a one week football tournament for the local teams in Helmand province.

In other sports news, a new book about the history of cricket in Afghanistan has been published. The 90 page book, written by Tahir Zaland, is a detailed look at cricket in Afghanistan. It is written in both Pashto and Dari.

Cricket in Afghanistan by Tahir Zaland

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 13, 2012: Nangarhar loses to Pakistani cricket club

By Sajid Hasan

An Afghan 19 year old cricket team from Nangarhar province is currently in Pakistan to play in a 19 year old cricket tournament in Pakistan. According to a Pakistani news agency, Nangarhar and the Malik Cricket Club from Peshawar played a 20 over test match. The match was played in the Arbab Niaz International Stadium. Nangarhar choose to bat first. They made 103 runs, losing all wickets. The Malik Cricket Club reached the target, losing only 2 wickets, and beating the team from Nangarhar province. The Afghan team is scheduled to play 3 matches in Pakistan's Lahore City. The tournament is scheduled to officially start on December 14th.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 12, 2012: New sports TV channel launched in Kabul

By Sajid Hasan

A new channel  (channel 3) which will provide 24 hours of sports coverage was launched in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul, the Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) has reported. According to the report, a ceremony to mark the event was held at Kabul Hotel, in which TV manager Shafiqullah Muslim, Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee Director Zahir Aghbar, Governor of Kabul province Abdul Jabbar Taqwa, and other high level personalities attended. At the ceremony, Shafiqullah Muslim said that the purpose of the channel will be to keep people updated on both national and international sporting activities, and to strengthen the development of sports in the country.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 11, 2012: Afghan women's cricket team to leave for Thailand in January

By Sajid Hasan

Afghanistan's national women's cricket team will go to Chiang Mai, Thailand in January 2013 to participate in the 2013 ACC (Asian Cricket Council) Women's Championship. The tournament is scheduled from January 21st to February 2nd. Besides Afghanistan, teams from Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, and UAE will participate. Deyana Barakzai, the Afghan women's team manager said that this will be the first time that an Afghan team has participated in this tournament. The winner of the tournament progresses to the Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier in Ireland, which is scheduled for August 2012.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 10, 2012: Afghan Judo Team Members Win Medals In Judo Competition; Ceremony Held To Welcome New Cricket Board Director

By Sajid Hasan

An Afghan Judo team sent to Dhaka, Bangladesh to compete the 2012 South Asian Cadet Judo Championship returned yesterday and were warmly welcomed at Kabul Airport. According to Afghanistan's Olympic Committee, they won 5 gold medals, and one silver. The competition ended on December 8th. Besides, Afghanistan and host country Bangladesh, delegates were also sent from Nepal, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. The Afghan delegation consisted of 7 Judo practitioners and 1 coach. While in Bangladesh, the team also attended the "Judo For Peace" seminar.

In other sports news, the chief of Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee (ANOC), Zahir Aghbar, praised the new General Director of Afghanistan's Cricket Board. Yesterday, he went to the Cricket Board Directorate and personally welcomed him as the new Director of the Cricket Board in a special ceremony. Aghbar said that the assignment of Shahzada Masood was a suitable decision. In his speech he mentioned that he knows Masood has worked closely with the cricket players and has worked hard for them when he was an advisor. Shazada Masood is an advisor of President Hamid Karzai in the matters of tribal affairs. When Masood was appointed, he was at first criticized and some said that he was not eligible to be the Cricket Board Director. However, many welcomed Masood's appointment, and said that he was suitable for the position. In the ceremony, Masood said that there has been a lot of development in regards to sports in the country, especially in the field of cricket. Masood said that he is optimistic that the time will come when the Afghan cricket players will be the best in the world.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 10, 2012: Afghan wrestling team finished second in competition

Afghan wrestlers competing in the Bacha Khan International Peace Wrestling Championship in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar came in second place, Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) reported today. Afghanistan lost by just one point to host country Pakistan. India came in third, followed by Sri Lanka in fourth, and Bangladesh in fifth. According to the PAN report, 2 Afghan wrestlers (Ahmad Mansoor and Noor Ahmad) won gold medals in the 74 and 84 kilogram categories

December 10, 2012: Afghan Judo team off to Bangladesh

By Sajid Hasan

A Judo team from Afghanistan left for Bangladesh today, December 4, 2012 to participate in the 2012 South Asian Cadet Judo Championship. The competition will take place in Dakah, Bangladesh from December 5, 2012 to December 8, 2012. It is part of the IJF Judo Summit and Seminar. Abdul Mahoob Sarwary, a spokesperson from Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee said that the Afghan delegation that will take part in the 4 day event includes 7 Judo practitioners and 1 coach. According to Sarwary, the team will also attend a seminar in Bangladesh called "Judo For Peace". Besides Afghanistan, and host country Bangladesh, other nations that are participating include Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.  It is being organized by the Bangladesh Judo Federation.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 8, 2012: Anti-corruption running competition held in Bamiyan province

By Sajid Hasan

Government corruption is a big problem in Afghanistan and it is something that ordinary Afghans face every day. Therefore, a running competition which included both boys and girls was held in Afghanistan's central province of Bamiyan to highlight and bring awareness to the fight against corruption. The competition took place on December 8th, and around 300 boys and girls participated in it. The runners started from the Bamiyan Airfield to the Graveyard of Mazari, which is around 5 km. A large number of the runners were also given prizes for competing in the event.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 7, 2012: Friendly cricket and football matches held in Helmand

By Sajid Hasan

In Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand, a friendly 20 overs cricket match was played on Friday, December 7th between two local teams. According to a provincial cricket official, the match was played between Khyber and Khpalwak teams and Khyber won the match. Khyber elected to bat first.  They made 150 runs in 20 overs and lost 8 wickets. Khpalwak only made 145 runs in 20 overs losing all wickets. The man of the match honors went to Ahmad Jan from Khyber for the number of runs he made and for taking 2 wickets.

On the same day, teams Maiwand and Atal played a friendly football match against each other. Maiwand won 2-1. The first goal for Maiwand was made by Samiullah Haqmal and the second goal was made by Azizullah.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 6, 2012: Olympic Committee announces massive tournament; Afghan powerlifting team to go to India

By Sajid Hasan

Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee (ANOC) recently announced that a massive local tournament has started in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul. Abdul Mahood Sarwary, an ANOC spokesperson said that 16 different local sports team from Kabul are participating in the competition. According to Sarwary, cricket, hockey and even volleyball will be played.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's national powerlifting team will leave for India soon to participate in the Classic Powerlifting Basic Phase Competition, according to a press release issued by Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee. The release stated that 19 power lifters and 1 coach will consists of the Afghan delegation. The competition will take place in Kalampur, India from December 9 to 16. Lifters from more than 40 countries are expected to participate.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 5, 2012: Afghans win medals in cycling; wrestling team in Pakistan

Afghanistan's national wrestling team went to Pakistan yesterday to participate in the Peace Cup competition, Afghanistan's Wrestling Federation (AWF) officials told Tolo news. Seven Afghan wrestlers, one referee, a trainer and a supervisor consists of the Afghan delegation. The competition is scheduled to start on Monday, December 10th at Qayoum Stadium in Peshawar. Besides, Afghanistan and host country Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India are also participating in the competition.

In other sports news, Tolo news reported today that 2 of Afghanistan's national cycling team members won medals. Ali Azghar won a silver medal and Ramin Maroufi won a bronze medal in the 56-km cycling championships recently held in Pakistan. The report stated that the cycling route ran 56 km from Rawalpindi to Muri in Pakistan. Per the report, 78 teams from Pakistan and a team from Afghanistan participated in the event.

December 4, 2012: Afghan Judo team off to Bangladesh

By Sajid Hasan

A Judo team from Afghanistan left for Bangladesh today, December 4, 2012 to participate in the 2012 South Asian Cadet Judo Championship. The competition will take place in Dakah, Bangladesh from December 5, 2012 to December 8, 2012. It is part of the IJF Judo Summit and Seminar. Abdul Mahoob Sarwary, a spokesperson from Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee said that the Afghan delegation that will take part in the 4 day event includes 7 Judo practitioners and 1 coach. According to Sarwary, the team will also attend a seminar in Bangladesh called "Judo For Peace". Besides Afghanistan, and host country Bangladesh, other nations that are participating include Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.  It is being organized by the Bangladesh Judo Federation.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 3, 2012: Competition To Be Held In Order to Select National Buzkashi Team

By Sajid Hasan

Ghulam Ghaus Rabbani, an official with Afghanistan's Olympic Committee said that in the coming future they will hold a special competition in Kabul to select members of the national buzkashi team. According to Rabbani, 16 teams will participate in the competition. Rabbani pointed out that this a suitable way to select the best competitors for the team. Buzkashi is Afghanistan's national sport and is played on horseback. It is especially popular in Afghanistan's northern provinces like Balkh, Faryab, and Jowzjan.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 2, 2012: Cricket Tournament Starts In Kandahar

By Sajid Hasan

A month long cricket tournament started on Sunday, December 2nd, in Afghanistan’s southern province of Kandahar. Officials from the Kandahar Cricket Directorate said that the tournament will include 14 local teams. According to a press release issued from the Kandahar Cricket Directorate, they are holding the tournament so they can choose the 19 old cricket team from the best players and the winning team. The current 19 year old team will play in provincial team and the new players will take their place. The press release also said that the Cricket Directorate will focus more on improving training for the players so they can play in the future for the provincial team. The decision of the Kandahar Cricket Directorate was welcomed by Kandahar's cricket players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

December 1, 2012: Ferozi wins local football tournament in Kabul

By Sajid Hasan

The Best League Football (soccer) tournament came to a conclusion today in Kabul. The tournament included 19 local teams from Kabul. United Sadat and Ferozi qualified to be in the final match. Afghanistan's Football Federation spokesman Ahmad Shah Sayer said on Saturday to the media that Ferozi won the tournament. They beat United Sadat 3-0 to end up in first place. Gifts that were scheduled to be distributed amongst the winning teams were delayed; the federation said they will distribute them sometime shortly in the future.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

November 30, 2012: More assistance requested for athletes in Helmand

By Sajid Hasan

The acting director of sports in Helmand province, Momtaz Ahmad, said that he has been promised to be given more help for the province's sports department. According to Ahmad, he and a large number of Helmandi athletes met with the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Masood Ahmad Bakhtawar, and shared with him the developments in sports, as well as the challenges faced by Helmandi athletes. They asked for assistance from the Deputy Governor.

Ahmad said that one of the most serious issues is that the youth do not have sufficient playgrounds. There is no separate ground for cricket, as well as none for football (soccer) and volleyball. He said he told the Deputy Governor that despite the issues, the athletes from this province have participated in both national and international competitions and have done well and brought honor to the province. Ahmad added that the Deputy Governor Bakhtawar praised the achievements of the athletes and thanked them for their hard work. He said that Deputy Governor Bakhtawar said he will do what he can to help construct various playgrounds for the athletes.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

November 29, 2012: T-20 Peace Cricket Tournament Ends

By Sajid Hasan

A four-day T-20 cricket tournament amongst the security forces in Afghanistan ended yesterday, November 28th in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. The event which was called the "Peace Cricket Tournament" included 19 teams, including players from ISAF (International Security Assistance Force).

On the final day of the tournament, the Manager of Helmand's Governor's office,  Mohammad Lal Ahmadi, Commander of the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP), Ghulam Sakhi Ghafoori, Security Officer Colonel Ghulam Rabbani Bahawi, and other officials including an ISAF delegation were present.

The final match was played between the Afghan National Police (ANP) and the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP). ANP won the match. ANP selected to bat first; they made 156 runs in 20 over and lost all wickets. ANCOP only made 148 runs in 20 overs. The man of the match award  was given to Asadullah from the ANP team who made 32 runs and took 2 wickets.

Mohammad Lal Ahmadi, the Manager of the Governor's office in Helmand said in his speech that this tournament will improve relations and coordination between the different security forces. Gifts were also distributed to the players after the final match.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

November 28, 2012: Afghan cyclists to go to Pakistan

By Sajid Hasan

Afghan cyclists will go to Pakistan tomorrow, November 29th, so they can participate in a one-day riding competition between the two countries. Afghanistan's Olympic Committee said that 8 riders from Afghanistan will be participating in the event. Afghan National Cycling Federation Chief, Muhammad Sadeqi Sadiq said that the competition will take place in Pakistan's Rawalpindi City; it will start from Rawalpindi and end in Muri district. He said that the purpose of the competition is to help strengthen the skills of riders from both countries and further enhance relations between the two nations. The competition is being organized by the Cycling Federations of both countries. Sadiq added that next month Pakistani cyclists will come to Afghanistan to compete in another riding competition.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

November 27, 2012: Local football tournament underway in Kabul

By Sajid Hasan

A local football (soccer) tournament in which 19 teams are participating is currently underway in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul. Ahmad Shah Sayer, a spokesman from Afghanistan's Football Federation said that the "Best League Tournament" is being held to select the best teams for an upcoming football competition. Yesterday, November 26th, a local team named Kabul Youth defeated United Sadat 3-0. Ahmad Shah Sayer said that every day 2 teams will play against each other until the tournaments ends. He added that the event is being held to encourage the youth to participate in healthy activities and avoid harmful ones.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

November 26, 2012: T-20 Peace Cricket Tournament started between security forces

By Sajid Hasan

A four-day T-20 Peace cricket tournament started on November 25, 2012 in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand. The first match was played between the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) and the National Security Department (NDS) Police teams. The Afghan Uniformed Police selected to bat first. They made 136 runs in 20 overs losing 7 wickets. The National Security Department Police only made 99 run in 20 overs and lost all wickets, thus losing the match to the Afghan Uniformed Police. Teams from other security forces are also scheduled to play matches in the tournament.

The tournament has been named "Peace Tournament" in order to bring harmony among the security forces and spread the message of peace to the people, said Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the Cricket Federation Manager in Helmand province . Abshar said that these kinds of matches will empower the youth and also further develop the sport of cricket in the province.

He said that through systematic sports practice, the youth can bring honor to their country by participating in national matches and tournaments. According to him, the time will come when Helmandi youth will have a special place in Afghanistan. "We need peace which is very essential for our country and we have to make any effort either by sports or by other missions" Abshar added.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

November 22, 2012: U-15 football competition ends; Buzkashi stadium inaugurated

An Under 15 (U-15) football tournament, which included 10 teams, and had started earlier this month, came to a conclusion today in Kabul. Tolo news, reported today that in the final match, Parwarshgah (Orphanage) defeated Ordoo (Army) 3-0 to take the championship. The competition was organized by Afghanistan's Football Federation.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency reported last Sunday that a sports stadium for Buzkashi, Afghanistan's national sport, was inaugurated in northern Jowzjan province. The stadium was named Dosti Afghan-Turk to honor the friendship between Afghanistan and Turkey. The project was funded at a cost of $100,000 by Turkey. The stadium can accommodate up to 400 spectators.

October 30, 2012: Hamid Rahimi defeats Said Mbelwa in historic fight!

After 30 plus years, an international boxing event was finally held in Afghanistan, and the icing on the cake was that Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi picked up the vacant World Boxing Organization Intercontinental middleweight belt.

Rahimi's dream of bringing boxing back to Kabul came true today as millions of Afghans both inside Afghanistan and around the world watched him defeat Said Mbelwa from Tanzania in the 7th round via a TKO (technical knockout). The match was dubbed "Fight4Peace". 

Rahimi has now improved his score to 21 wins and only 1 loss. After the match as Afghans cheered for their hero, even Mbelwa got into the celebrations, he clapped and cheered for the same man who had defeated him. He even lifted him up in the air. Mbelwa showed true sportsmanship and honor.

September 22, 2012: Afghanistan out of Twenty20

After two losses in a row, Afghanistan is now out of the 2012 ICC World Twenty20. On Wednesday, they were defeated by India by 23 runs and then on Friday, they lost to England by 116 runs. The Afghan batters fell apart in the game against England. Some analysts commented that it may have been the pressure of playing against top cricketing nations, and some even blamed coach Kabir Khan by saying he didn't have a plan or strategy going into the game. Afghan captain Nawroz Mangal remained optimistic and said that the experience will help the team to do better in future matches.

Afghanistan vs. India scorecard
Afghanistan vs. England scorecard

September 16, 2012: Afghan Premier League will start on September 18th!

The much anticipated Afghan Premier League, which is Afghanistan's first national football (soccer) league, will officially kick off on Tuesday, September 18th, when De Maiwand Atalan, representing South West Afghanistan goes up against Shahin Asmayee from Greater Kabul.

The teams are broken up into 2 groups, and each group consists of 4 teams. The Group A teams are De Maiwand Atalan, Shahin Asmayee, De Abasin Sapi and De Spinghar Bazan. The Group B teams are Tofan Harirod, Simorgh Alburz, Oqaban Hidokush and Mawjhai Amu. Eighteen football matches are going to be held with the final scheduled for October 19th.

The Afghan Premier League was created to improve the overall quality of football in Afghanistan and eventually find better players for Afghanistan's National Football team. It is being sponsored by Roshan Telecommunications Company and will be broadcast on Tolo TV and Lemar TV, which are owned by Moby Group of companies.

See promo video below.

September 3, 2012: Jujitsu competition underway in Kabul; Muaythai fighters sent to Russia

A Jujitsu competition which includes Jujitsu-Kas (practitioners of Jujitsu) from 12 provinces are currently underway in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul, Tolo news reported yesterday. Afghanistan Jujitsu Federation chief Fahim Fadaye said that more than 200 practitioners are participating in the event. The top 6 competitors will be chosen to represent Afghanistan next month at the Third Asian Martial Arts Festival in Kish Island, Iran.

In other martial arts news, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) reported yesterday that 5 Afghan Muaythai fighters have been sent to Russia to compete in the IFMA World Championships. A National Olympic Committee official told BNA that 100 fighters are expected to participate in the event, which is expected to last 1 week.

August 26, 2012: Cricket: Afghanistan loses to Australia: Hassan to return in September

Afghanistan lost to Australia by 66 runs in a One Day International (ODI) match in the United Arab Emirates Saturday evening. It was a historic night for Afghanistan's national cricket team, and even though they lost the match, many were impressed with the challenge they put up against Australia, which is one of the most prominent cricketing nations and former world champions. “It was a big occasion and we learnt a lot from the experience of playing Australia,” Afghanistan's captain Nawroz Mangal told reporters. This match was Afghanistan second match against an ICC (International Cricket Council) member this year. Earlier in February, they lost to Pakistan by 7 wickets.

View score card

In other cricket news, it was announced that star bowler Hamid Hassan who has been out with a knee injury will re-join the squad in September for the World Twenty20. Hassan was injured back in January of this year, and since then has undergone surgery on his knee. While he is still not 100% at the moment, he should be fit in time when the tournament starts on September 18th, according to ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) chief, Hamid Shinwari.

August 9, 2012: Another bronze for Nikpai!

Rohullah Nikpai

Afghanistan's Rohullah Nikpai made history again today by winning a bronze medal in Taekwondo in the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games. He beat out Britain's Martin Stamper 5-3 to win the medal in the Men's 68kg category. Nikpai initially made history when he brought home Afghanistan's first ever Olympic medal in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. "I have to thank everyone who supported me but, from the bottom of my heart, I would especially like to thank all the Afghan refugees who came here to support me. It means a lot to me, and I'm very happy for that and for the bronze medal," he told reporters.

August 1, 2012: 1 million afghanis to be awarded to Afghan medal winners; U-19 cricket team score yet another win

Earlier this week, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) reported that Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee has decided to give 1 million afghanis (~$19,260) to any Afghan athlete that wins a medal at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. So far, the two Afghans (Ajmal Faizzada and Ajmal Faisal ) that have gotten a chance to compete did not win medals. Afghanistan sent 7 athletes, including a woman (Tahima Kohistani) to the games.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's U-19 cricket team defeated the local Australian "Sun Shine Coast" cricket club for the third time in a friendly match ahead of the upcoming U-19 World Cup in Australia, scheduled to start on August 11th. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They piled up 276 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The Australians never reached the target and lost the match by 51 runs. Hashmatullah Shahidi scored an unbeaten century, and Najib Zadran scored 56 runs for the Afghan team.

July 29, 2012: Faizzada becomes first Afghan to compete in the 2012 Olympics; U-19 cricket team score another win

Ajmal Faizzada

Ajmal Faizzada became the first Afghan to officially compete in the London 2012 Olympic Games when he took on Hungary's Miklos Ungvari in Judo's under-66kg category. Unfortunately, for Afghan Judo fans, Ungvari won the match in 17 seconds. The Hungarian went on to eventually win the silver medal. Tomorrow, Afghan boxer Ajmal Faisal will go up against his opponent from France. Afghan runners Tahima Kohistani and Masood Azizi will compete on August 3rd and 4th, respectively.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's U-19 cricket team defeated the local Australian "Sun Shine Coast" cricket club again in a friendly match ahead of the upcoming U-19 World Cup in Australia, scheduled to be held in August. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They piled up 227 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. The Australians never reached the target and lost the match by 23 runs. The highest runs came from Rahim Gul, who scored 55 runs, he was followed by Najib Zadran with 48.

July 28, 2012: Afghan U-19 teams defeats Australian cricket club

Javed Ahmadi

Afghanistan's U-19 cricket team defeated a local Australian club by 7 wickets, Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN) reported today. The team played against the "Sun Shine Coast" cricket club. The Australians won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 147 runs. The Afghans reached the target in the 25th over for the loss of three wickets, with Captain Javed Ahmadi emerging top-scorer with 75 runs, the PAN report said.

As part of their preparation for the upcoming U-19 World Cup in Australia in August, the Afghan team is playing friendly games against local Australian teams.

July 21, 2012: Afghan athletes in London for Olympics; Afghan U-19 cricket team in Australia

Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee has announced that all of Afghanistan's athletes are in London for the 2012 Olympics Games, which will be held from July 27th to August 12th. A total of 6 athletes will represent Afghanistan.

Well known Nesar Ahmad Bahawi and Rohullah Nikpai will compete in Taekwondo. Twenty-five year old Nikpai will compete in the Men's 68kg, and Bahawi will compete in the Men's 80kg division.

In Judo, twenty-five year old Ajmal Faizzada will compete in the Men's 66kg, and in Boxing, twenty-one year old Ajmal Faisal, also from Kabul, will compete in the Men's Fly (52kg) category.

In the sport of Athletics, Afghanistan will be represented by twenty-three year Panjshir native Massoud Azizi who will compete in the Men's 100m, and Tahmina Kohistani, a twenty-three old from Kapisa province who will compete in the Women's 100m.

In other sports news, a 15-member Afghan cricket squad are in Australia to compete in the U-19 World Cup to be played there in August. The team left Kabul on Friday. The Afghan team will be lead by Javed Ahmadi, and Shabir Noori will serve as Ahmadi's deputy. The team is being managed by Sher Agha Hamkar, and coached by Haji Wali Amin, with special assistance from Geoff Lawson.

The team will play special matches against Ireland on August 7th and India on August 8th, before facing off in their official match of the World Cup on August 11th against Pakistan. Then they are scheduled to go up against New Zealand followed by Scotland.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Scotland are in the Group B of the competitions. Group A consists of Australia, England, Nepal and Ireland. Group C consists of the West Indies, Zimbabwe, India and Papua New Guinea. Finally, Group D comprises of Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh and Namibia.

July 11, 2012: Hujatullah Samidazeh finishes in third place

Twenty-two year old Hujatullah Samidazeh (65kg) came in third place in the World Weight Category Karate Tournament (face punch), which recently came to a conclusion on July 9th, according to Mohammadullah Sabiri, an official with Kyokushin-kan International - Afghanistan. The event was held in Yoyogi Daini Taiikikan city, Japan. While he didn't win first place, the official said that it is still quite an achievement for Samidazeh and Afghanistan Karate history.

Samidazeh, who is originally from Ghazni province and currently lives in Herat, had previously won second place (silver medal) in the first All Asia Kyokushin-kan Karate Open Championships, which was held on March 20-21 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

July 8, 2012: Local cricket tournament ends in Helmand province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

An 8-day anti-narcotics cricket tournament ended on Friday, July 6th in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, according to Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial board manager. The tournament was organized by the anti-narcotics department, and it involved 12 local cricket teams. Abshar said that Hewad and Achekzai played against each other in the final match. Hewad won the coin toss and elected to bat first. They made 74 runs in 15 overs, and lost 7 wickets. Achekzai reached the target in 14 overs, and lost 6 wickets. Abshar added that the Man of the Match honors went to Izatullah from the winning Achekzai team. He made 34 runs and took 3 wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

July 8, 2012: FIFA raises Afghanistan's ranking

On Thursday, July 5th, the world's football (soccer) governing body, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), released its latest rankings. Afghanistan moved up 2 spots from 164 to 162 among the 208 football playing nations. Despite the war, and serious economic challenges, Afghanistan was still ranked higher than India (163) and Pakistan (178). Spain was given first position, followed by Germany. Afghanistan's other neighbor, Iran was ranked 50th.   

July 8, 2012: International Cricket News

After the first World Cricket League ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland was cancelled due to field conditions, the two team finally played on July 5th. Unfortunately, Afghanistan's national cricket team lost the match; Ireland beat Afghanistan by 59 runs. With this win, Ireland picks up 2 more points to lead the points table with 13. They are followed by UAE with 10, then Scotland with 8. Afghanistan is currently in 4th place with a total of 7 points. Afghanistan is scheduled to play against Ireland again from July 9th to the 12th in Dublin.

In other cricket news, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) reported yesterday that Afghanistan's female cricket team has arrived home from a cricket competition they participated in Tajikistan. According to the report, the team won 4 matches. The women were greeted by officials from the National Olympic Committee at the airport upon their arrival, and  they were congratulated for their successes.

July 5, 2012: Afghanistan to participate in the 2012 World Weight Category Karate Tournament (face punch)

Hujatullah Samidazeh

Hujatullah Samidazeh (65kg) will represent Afghanistan on Sunday, July 8th in the 2012 World Weight Category Karate Tournament (face punch). He will be under the supervision and leadership of Shihan Engineer Mohammad Seyar Azadani, Country Representative and President of President of Kyokushin-kan International –Afghanistan. Sensei Mohammad Sabour Azadani, the General Secretary of Kyokushin-kan International - Afghanistan said that this tournament will be the biggest event of face punch than had ever been organized before.

July 1, 2012: Bahadurzada injured  - pulls out of UFC 149

Siyar Bahadurzada

Afghan mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Siyar Bahadurzada announced today on his Facebook site that he will not fight in UFC 149, which is scheduled for July 21st at Calgary Alberta. Bahadurzada was scheduled to fight Chris "The Menace" Clements. Bahadurzada said he had to pull out of the fight due to an injury sustained during practice. He added the following on his site, "I promise I'll be back with another KO win and not less impressive than my first one! Thank you for your understanding!" His fans were disappointed when they heard the new, however, they wished him well and a quick recovery.

June 28, 2012: Afghanistan loses to Pakistan

Today, in Malaysia, Afghanistan lost to Pakistan by 151 runs in the 1st semi-final match of the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-19 Asia Cup. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They made 296 runs. Unfortunately, Afghanistan only scored 145. Imam-ul-Haq from Pakistan was given the Player of the Match honors. Pakistan now advances to the final and will take on the winner of the Sri Lanka and India match.

June 27, 2012: Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh in ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2012 game

Yesterday, in Malaysia, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets in a ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-19 Asia Cup game, and secured themselves a place in the semi-finals. Afghanistan's captain, Javed Ahmadi, was chosen as Player of the Match for his 71 runs. Tomorrow, Afghanistan will face off against Pakistan. India and Sri Lanka, the other two teams who made it to the semi-final, will also face off on Friday, June 29th.

June 24, 2012: ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2012 Update

Afghanistan started off their first ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-19 Asia Cup game by losing to Sri Lanka by 4 wickets. The game was played on June 23rd at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan made 129 runs (all out of 34.5 overs). Sri Lanka made 131 runs (for 6 off 36.4 overs). The Man of the Match honors went to Sri Lanka's Tharindu Kaushal.

The Afghan team did much better on their second game, which was held today. They defeated Qatar by 191 runs. Afghanistan again won the toss and chose to bat first. They went 308 all out off 40.4 overs, and Qatar went 117 all out off 30.2 overs. The Man of the Match honors went to Afghanistan's Shabir Noori for his 51 runs and 2 wickets.

The team is not scheduled to play on Monday, however, on Tuesday, June 26th, they will face off against Bangladesh at Kinrara.

June 24, 2012: New cricket team formed in Helmand

Mayor Safi (in white) with the new cricket team
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Yesterday, in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, a new cricket team was officially formed. The team was named the Sharwali cricket team. The provincial sports directorate, Ismatullah Muslim, cricket board manager Mohammad Tahir Abshar, and other officials were present in a special ceremony held to mark the event. Mayor Mohammad Fazel Safi opened the event and said that the team consists of 16 members, and that there will be two trainers to train the players.

The Media Advisor of Helmand municipality, Ahmad Masood Sayllab, said that this team belongs to the municipality of Lashkar Gah, and that all technical and other expenses will be paid for by the municipality. Sayllab said that he and others in the municipality are working hard to assist the youth in the province and to motivate them for a better Afghanistan. He added that the municipality is working with the provincial cricket board to build a new cricket ground for the players. The sports department said that there are now 11 cricket teams in Lashkar Gah.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

June 20, 2012: Special Profile: Afghan boxing champ Hamid Rahimi

Hamid Rahimi

Hamid Rahimi was born in Kabul in 1983. Due to the ongoing civil war, Hamid and his family fled Afghanistan in 1992, and settled in Germany. At the age of 14, Hamid started to take an interest in boxing and martial arts which were partly induced by facing some level of hostility at school from fellow pupils; migrants who can barely speak the language are always an easy target... read more.

June 19, 2012: Afghan basketball team wins gold medal

Afghan basketball team at the 3rd Asian Beach Games

Afghanistan's basketball team won the gold medal today after defeating Turkmenistan in the final of the beach basketball competition in the 3rd Asian Beach Games, currently being held in Haiyang, northeast China's Shandong province. The Chinese news agency Xinhua reported the score as 16-9. The games started on June 16th and is scheduled to end on June 22nd. This is Afghanistan's first medal of the games. To date, China leads with a total of 18 medals.

June 2, 2012: Upcoming cricket matches

Afghanistan's U-19 Team

June 23, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka at Selangor Turf Club
June 24, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Qatar at RSC
June 26, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh at Bayuemas

August 7, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Ireland at Brisbane
August 8, 2012: Afghanistan vs. India at Brisbane

Afghanistan's National Cricket Team

July 3, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Ireland at Dublin
July 5, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Ireland at Dublin
July 9-12, 2012: Afghanistan vs. Ireland at Dublin

May 28, 2012: Paktya Kyokushin-kan Karate Academy team wins the PPL cricket tournament

PPL Trophy

This Sunday, May 27th, the final of the PPL (Paktya Premier League) cricket tournament was held in Paktya province's Gardez City. The Zaland Sports team took on the Paktya Kyokushin-kan Karate Academy team in a 15 overs match. The Paktya Kyokushin-kan Karate Academy team won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 159 runs with 5 wickets. The Zaland Sports team did not reach the target, and only scored 98 runs and all players out. The man of the series award went to Abdul Basir Khan who scored 54 runs in this game, and a total of 170 runs in the PPL tournament.

This PPL tournament started two weeks ago in Paktya province. A total of four teams participated in the event, which was sponsored by the civil societies organizations and other sports associations based in Gardez. The main aim of this PPL tournament was to encourage and motivate the private sector to financially support Afghan sports.

May 27, 2012: Cricket tournament to start between disabled teams

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The first-ever four day 20 overs cricket tournament involving disabled players is scheduled to begin tomorrow, May 28th in Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul. Afghanistan's cricket board announced that the event will start at 9:00 am local time. Four teams from four zones will be participating. The teams are Band-e Amir, Mes Ainak, Spinghar, and Amu. The board said that the best players will be chosen to represent Afghanistan's national disabled team. The board also said that the disabled national team will go to Pakistan to play a match against Pakistan's national disabled team.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

May 22, 2012: Laghman defeats Kunar in cricket

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one day 20 overs cricket match was held on May 19th between Laghman and Kunar in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan stadium. According to a cricket official, Kunar elected to bat first. They made 119 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets. Laghman reached the target in 14 overs, losing 3 wickets. The man of the match honors went to Asad Sangari from Laghman.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

May 20, 2012: Cheetah team wins Shaheed Manan Ahmad Zai Cricket Jam; Peace Cricket Jam underway in Laghman

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Cheetah cricket team defeated rivals Super Stars cricket team to win the Shaheed Manan Ahmad Zai Cricket Jam last week on May 16th in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar. According to cricket official, Maiwand Mojahid, the Super Stars cricket team elected to bat first. They made 63 runs, losing all wickets. The Cheetah team reached the target in 9 overs, losing 7 wickets. Javid Rahimi from the Cheetah team was given the man of the match honors for making 45 runs. On the final day of the jam, gifts were distributed to the players.

In other local cricket news, the Peace Cricket Jam is currently underway in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman. According to a cricket official from Laghman, the jam is going to take 8 days and around 16 teams are expected to participate. The official said that the teams are all from Laghman and that on each day two teams will play. The official added that the purpose of the jam is to help spread the message of peace amongst the people via sports.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

May 12, 2012: Bahadurzada to fight in UFC 149; Afghan Taekwondo team members win silver and bronze medals in Asian event

Afghan MMA fighter Siyar Bahadurzada will fight his second fight in the UFC on July 21st at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He will be one of the main cards in the UFC 149 Aldo vs. Koch event. Brazilian Thiago Alves, who is known as the "Pit Bull" was originally scheduled to fight Yoshihiro Akiyama, however, Akiyama could not fight due to an injury. So, he was replaced with Bahadurzada. This is a big opportunity for Bahadurzada since Alves, who has a record of 24 wins and 8 losses is considered a very powerful fighter. Tickets for the event have already been sold out.

In other sports news, members of Afghanistan's Taekwondo team team won silver and bronze medals in the recently held Asian Taekwondo Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Athletes from close to 50 countries participated in the tournament. Afghan Olympic medalist Rohullah Nikpai, Naweed Zahir, and Sayed Hussain Hussani won silver medals, and Masood Karimi, Rohullah Popal, Bilal Zazai and Aziz Haidari won bronze medals.

May 12, 2012: Special Profile: Nowroz Mangal

Sports can inspire and unify a nation within, and unify people beyond national boundaries as it helps to transcend the barriers of religion, politics and ethnicity. The mark of a great sportsman is not just to win, but to inspire others. Nowroz Mangal may provide that glimmer of light for a new generation of cricketers in Afghanistan... read more.

May 10, 2012: Balkh resident wins "Mr. Muscles" title

Afghanistan's Bodybuilding Federation announced that a bodybuilding contest titled "Mr. Muscles" ended this week in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul. The winner of the event was Yousef Sakhi, a resident of Balkh province. Bodybuilders from 28 provinces participated in the event.

May 4, 2012: Afghanistan's national Muaythai team in Iran for competition

Afghanistan's National Muaythai Team
Photo courtesy of Afghanistan's National Federation of Muaythai

Amir Hussaini, the president of Afghanistan's National Federation of Muaythai announced today that Afghanistan has sent a delegation which includes 7 athletes to the 2012 Muaythai President's Cup. The event started on May 3rd and is scheduled to end on May 8th. It is being held in Tehran, Iran. The competition is being organized by the National Muaythai Association of Iran, in cooperation with the Federation Amateur Muaythai Asia (FAMA) and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) .

Athletes from over 50 countries are expected to participate in the event which is being held to promote the theme of peace, sport and friendship through Muaythai.

The following Afghan fighters are participating in the competition:

Nasir Ahmad Hazara - 51 kg category
Sayeed Hussain Mosawe - 54 kg category
Bahman Ikhlaqee - 57 kg category
Mohammad Hadi Kahndol - 60 kg category
Ahmad Jawaid Hussain - 63.5 kg category
Ali Akbar Razaee - 67 kg category
Zulfiqar Ali - 71 kg category

April 28, 2012: Afghan rugby team loses 1-2 against UAE; Afghans win medals in Malaysia; Female bicycle team off to compete in race

Yesterday, Afghanistan's national rugby team lost 12-0 in the first of their series of three matches against the Shaheen team from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In game two, Afghanistan came back strong and defeated UAE Shaheen 24-0. However, they weren't able to keep the momentum going and lost the third decider game 10-5. This was the Afghan team's first match outside of Afghanistan. The rugby federation as well as the players are hoping they achieve the same type of success as the national cricket team has achieved.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency reported today that Afghanistan received one gold medal, 2 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals in the recently held Malaysian Open Para Athletics Championships. The Afghans won the medals in the running and throwing competitions. 

The agency also reported that a female Afghan bicycle team has left to compete in a race Lahore, Pakistan. According to the report, the competition will be held in two rounds.

April 28, 2012: Kunar defeats Herat, Laghman announces youth team

By Noor Ahmad Noori

On Thursday (April 26th), Kunar defeated Herat in the ongoing inter-provincial cricket tournament. The match was held in Nangarhar province. Qarar Azizi, a cricket official said that the Herati team elected to bat first. They made 71 runs in 17 overs, losing all wickets. Azizi said that Kunar reached the target in 17 overs and lost 5 wickets. Adnan Kunari from Kunar was chosen as the man of the match. He made 14 runs and took 2 wickets.

In other cricket news, last Sunday (April 22nd), the 15 year old Elected Team was announced in Laghman province, according to the Taand News Agency. Fifteen players were chosen with Qahir as the captain and Alham as the deputy captain.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 24, 2012: Report: ACB has announced an organizational review

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced an organizational review, according to a report today from ESPNCricinfo. According to the report, the purpose is to provide better leadership and find qualified staff to run cricket administration. This will help to develop cricket in Afghanistan and secure its future.

As part of the review, the board reappointed Hamid Shinwari as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Nasimullah Danish is the Deputy CEO. The report also added that former player Raees Ahmadzai has been appointed as the senior advisor to the Player Selection Committee, and Khair Mohammad as the Finance Manager.

The ACB is hoping that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will raise them from an Affiliate member to an Associate member, which will also include extra ICC funding.

April 19, 2012: National snooker team in Qatar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) is reporting that Afghanistan's national snooker team has arrived in Qatar to participate in the 28th Asian Snooker Championship. The event will be held in Doha, Qatar from April 20 to 28. According to the BNA report, 3 players (Salih Mohammad Hamidi, Raess Khan Sanzai and Mohammad Nader), and a coach will be part of the Afghan delegation. The BNA report also added that in the 27th Asian Snooker Championship, Afghanistan's national snooker team did very well, and brought honor to their nation.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 19, 2012: Nangarhar defeats Ghor and Kunar names their team members for cricket tournament

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Nangarhar defeated Ghor on Tuesday, April 17th in a 50 overs cricket match in the ongoing inter-provincial cricket tournament. The match was held in Nangarhar province. Haji Tahir Kamawal, a cricket sports official said that the team from Ghor elected to bat first. They made 122 runs in 42 overs, losing all wickets. Nangarhar reached the target in 23 overs, losing 5 wickets. The man of the match honors went to Najib Turki from Nangarhar who scored 54 runs. Previously, Nangarhar had defeated Zabul and Balkh.

Meanwhile, Kunar province has announced their 15 member elected team that will participate in the tournament. Pacha Housain has been named the captain of the Kunari team. Other players include Ubaid Kunari, Nawab Khanji, Khan Mohammad, Hameed, Adnan, Mumtaz, Noor Sawji, Nasir, Saifoor, Nabi, Muneeb, Sayyad Rahman, Kadwal and Rahimullah.

Sibgatullah Hamidi, a cricket sports official from Kunar province said that they have also arranged a workshop for cricket players for 6 days in Kunar province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 18, 2012: Football (soccer) tournament ended in Helmand; Kunduz defeated Balkh in cricket

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one month long football (soccer) tournament ended in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand earlier this week. Ismatullah Muslim, a provincial sports official said that 16 local teams participated in the tournament. Muslim said that the purpose of the tournament was to select the best players, so they can be trained for countrywide tournaments, as well as tournaments in Asia. The first position went to Ariana, the second position went to Afghan and the third position went to the education department's football team.

In other sports news, today Kunduz defeated Balkh in a inter-provincial cricket tournament match being held in Nangarhar province. According to an official from the national cricket board, Balkh batted first and made 148 runs in 31 overs, losing all their wickets. Kunduz reached the target in 21 overs and lost 2 wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 17, 2012: Helmand won first place in cricket tournament

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In a recent 5 day cricket tournament between three provinces, Helmand's Elected Cricket Team won first place, according to Ismatullah Muslim, Helmand's provincial director of sports. The tournament ended last week, and it involved teams from Helmand, Kabul and Herat. Kabul came in second, followed by Herat.

When the Helmandi team arrived back in Helmand, a special ceremony was held by the sports department and the local cricket board to honor their achievement. They were welcomed back as heroes. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the cricket board manager, also congratulated the players and said he appreciated their achievement and requested from the government to help in creating more cricket grounds in the province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 16, 2012: Kandahari football players to go to Iran for training

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The department of sports in Kandahar province has announced that 22 football players from the province will travel to Iran for training. Modeer Agha, a sports official from Kandahar, said that the players will learn new techniques and also participate in friendly matches in Iran. Agha did not mention when the players would leave for Iran, however, he did add that before the players leave, they will be trained by trainers that they have invited from Kabul.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 15, 2012: Afghan MMA fighter wins his first ever UFC fight

Siyar Bahadurzada

Afghan mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Siyar Bahadurzada knocked out his opponent Paulo Thiago in just 42 seconds of the first round last night in his first fight for the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the largest MMA organization in the world. The event was part of the UFC on Fuel TV 2 event. It was held in Sweden and took place at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm.

Bahadurzada landed a short yet powerful right punch to Thiago's jaw. It was enough to cause the Brazilian to become unconscious, and fall to the matt, face first. The knockout was the UFC's "Knockout of the Night", and Bahadurzada was awarded an extra $50,000. With this win, Bahadurzada improves his record to 21 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw. Thiago adds another loss to his record and is now 14 and 4.

After his fight, he told an American sports news network that he fought this fight for Afghanistan.  "When I have the flag on my shoulders, I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes with that. I just want to put Afghanistan in positive news headlines. That is my goal. That is what I want to do for my country."

April 15, 2012: Afghanistan's national rugby team to play first game abroad

Afghanistan's national rugby team will play its first game abroad, according to an announcement yesterday from Afghanistan's Rugby Federation (ARF). According to the announcement, the matches will be under the auspices of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU), which Afghanistan joined as an Associate Member in November last year.

The exhibition matches will be held while the UAE, Hong Kong, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and Uzbekistan fight it out against each other in a sevens rugby tournament in Dubai, starting on April 27th. ARF has also arranged a week of training in Dubai during the week before the matches are scheduled to begin.

"This tour means a lot for Afghan rugby. It’s a big step for development of the game in Afghanistan, and will encourage a lot of Afghan youngsters to play rugby", said ARF's Technical Vice President, Abdul Khalil Bik.

April 15, 2012: Afghans picked up silver and bronze medals at the 18th Ashihara Karate World Competition

In the 18th Ashihara Karate World Competition, which was held in Denmark from April 5th to the 8th, Afghanistan picked up 6 medals, according to a report last week from the Bakhtar News Agency (BNA). According to the BNA report, 11 countries participated in the event. Afghanistan's Yahya Ahmadi, Abdul Rahman Izami and Wahidullah Joya won silver medals, and Shahram Harasi, Fareed Aqa Door Andish and Shir Mohammad won bronze medals. In the team competitions, Afghanistan placed fourth. Denmark won first place, Azerbaijan came in second, and Lithuania finished third.

April 7, 2012: Football tournament starts in Khost province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

To pass on the message of helping to clean up Khost city, a one month long football (soccer) tournament started today in Afghanistan's eastern province of Khost. The event is being hosted by the Khost Municipality and Olympic committee. Aziz Malang, the director of the Olympic Committee said that 23 teams from around the province are participating in the tournament.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 7, 2012: Nangarhar defeats Laghman in cricket; Helmand's Elected Team in Herat

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In the ongoing Peace Cricket Jam currently being held in Jalalabad, Nangarhar defeated Laghman on Friday. Qarar Azizi, a cricket official from Nangarhar, said that both teams played very well. Nangarhar won the coin toss and chose to bat first. They made 150 runs in 20 overs, losing all wickets. Laghman could not reach the target, they only made 76 runs, losing all wickets. Nasim Qasab from Nangarhar was made man of the match because he made 20 runs and took 3 wickets. With this win, Nangarhar is now in the final match of Peace Cricket Jam.

In other local cricket news, Helmand's Elected Cricket Team left for Herat on Friday to participate in a 6 day cricket tournament that will start today (Saturday). The event will include 5 teams, according to Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the cricket board manager from Helmand province. Abshar added that besides Helmand's team, 3 local teams from Herat, and a team from Kabul will participate in the tournament. The event is being held to help further develop the cricket skills of the local players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 5, 2012: Laghman defeats Nuristan in cricket

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In the ongoing Peace Cricket Jam currently being held in Jalalabad, Laghman's cricket team defeated the team from Nuristan. Laghman won the coin toss and elected to bat first. They made 109 runs in 20 overs, losing 9 wickets. Nuristan was unable to reach the target, they only made 90 runs in 19 overs, losing all wickets. The man of the match honors went to Faheem Naseri from Laghman for taking 3 wickets in the match.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 4, 2012: Zazai propels Afghanistan to victory over the Netherlands

Afsar Zazai

Today at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, 18 year old Afsar Zazai helped Afghanistan defeat Netherlands by 3 wickets in the ICC Intercontinental Cup match. This was Zazai's first-class debut. Even though Netherlands was the favorite to win the match, Afghanistan back strong and secured themselves a victory, and moved up in the overall points table to second place, behind Ireland. Now Afghanistan has 37 points to Ireland's 54. Scotland is close behind Afghanistan with 36.

Afghanistan won the toss, but chose to field. Netherlands made 133 runs (all out; 44.3 overs) in the first inning. In their first inning, Afghanistan made 129 runs (all out; 42.3 overs). In their second inning, Netherlands made 228 runs (all out; 61.4 overs). Finally, in their second inning, Afghanistan made 233 runs (7 wickets; 76 overs). Eighty four runs of that was contributed by Afsar Zazai.

The match had started on April 2nd, and ended on April 4th.

See scorecard.

April 4, 2012: Peace cricket jam underway in Jalalabad

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A 6-day 20 overs peace cricket jam started yesterday, April 3rd in the city of Jalalabad. The event will be between 8 cricket teams. Qarar Azizi, an official from the cricket board said that teams from Laghman, Kunar, Nuristan, Nangarhar and a team from Pakistan's Peshawar city are participating in the jam. He said that the purpose of the event is to spread the message of peace to Afghans.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 4, 2012: Olympic Committee praises sports development process in Helmand

Gen. Mohammad Aghbar (center, in black) with Helmand's
provincial governor Mohammad Gulab Mangal (right, in gray).
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori
 

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee praised the sports development process in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, while on a special trip to the province on Monday, April 2nd. The Director of the Olympic Committee, Gen. Mohammad Aghbar, accompanied by a delegation, made a two day trip to the province. He was also joined by members of parliament from Helmand province. The delegation was warmly welcomed upon their arrival by Helmand's governor, Mohammad Gulab Mangal, local officials and athletes from the province.

The delegation visited several sports clubs, boys and girls schools, as well as other development projects. Aghbar promised during his visit he will work to further develop sports in the province and will also take effective steps to further promote the sports development process for women.

He said that the purpose of this visit was to observe how sports development is progressing in the province. He added that the youth in the province have not only excelled in sports, but in other areas as well.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

April 2, 2012: Nangarhar cricket news: Karwan defeats Khyber

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one day 35 overs cricket match was held between two local cricket clubs in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday, March 31st. Karwan took on and defeated Khyber. Haji Tahir Kamawal, a provincial cricket official, said that Khyber won the toss and elected to bat first. They made 108 runs in 35 overs, losing all wickets. Karwan reached the target of 108 runs in 21 overs, losing 3 wickets. The man of the match honors went to Nimat Shah Hadawal from the Karwan cricket club who took 5 wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 31, 2012: Sadiq's century leads Afghanistan to victory over the Netherlands

Karim Sadiq

After losing to the Netherlands by 9 wickets on Thursday, March 29th, Afghanistan recovered and came back today to defeat them by 5 wickets in Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 50 overs match was part of the 2011-2013 ICC World Cricket League Championship. Afghanistan's Karim Sadiq scored a century (100 runs) in the game.

See scorecard.

ICC World Cricket League Championship, 2011-2013 / Points table

March 31, 2012: Nangarhar defeats Paktika in cricket

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In a one-day 20 overs cricket match played on Friday, March 30th, Nangarhar's Sabawoon cricket club defeated the Elected Team from Paktika province. Tayyab Akhunzada, a cricket official, said that Sabawoon elected to bat first. In 20 overs, they scored 159 runs, losing 7 wickets. Paktika could not achieve that target, they only made 147 runs in 20 overs, and lost all wickets. Abdul Akbar from Sabawoon, who made 52 runs and took 3 wickets was declared man of the match.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 25, 2012: Helmand-Kandahar football tournament: Helmand's Barak defeats Kandahar's Aino Minah

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In the ongoing Kandahar vs. Helmand football (soccer) tournament marking and celebrating the spring season, Aino Minah from Kandahar took on Barak from Helmand on Saturday, March 24th in Lashkar Gah, the capital city of Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand.

According to Ismatullah Muslim, Helmand's provincial sports director, Barak defeated Aino Minah 1-0. The single goal of the game was scored by Abdul Ali.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 24, 2012: Ireland stops Afghanistan's winning streak

In the final of the World Twenty20 Qualifier in Dubai, Ireland (156 for 5) defeated Afghanistan (152 for 7) by five wickets. Afghanistan had won 8 in a row before they faced off against Ireland. It's a disappointing loss for Afghanistan, but on the upside, they have already secured themselves a spot in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Cup when they defeated Namibia on March 22nd. The two batsman of the day were Mohammad Shahzad who scored 77 runs and Ireland's Paul Stirling who scored 79 runs. Stirling was chosen as the player of the match.

See scorecard.

March 24, 2012: Helmand-Kandahar football tournament underway

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one-week long football (soccer) tournament started on Thursday, March 22nd between Helmand and Kandahar provinces in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Ismatullah Muslim, Helmand's provincial sports director said that the tournament is being held to celebrate and mark the beginning of the spring season. He kindly asked both teams to respect each other during the game. Muslim also announced that he plans on inviting Afghanistan's national football team to Helmand so they can share their experiences and train Helmandi youth. On the first day of the tournament, the Kandahari team played against Helmand's Bost team. The match ended in a 3-3 draw.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 22, 2012: Afghanistan defeats Namibia to secure place in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Cup

Dawlat Zadran

Today in the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan defeated Namibia by 47 runs in the semi-final match of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament. With this win, they secured themselves a place in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Cup, which will be held in Sri Lanka later this year.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan scored 146 runs (all out; 20 overs). Namibia was unable to reach the target, they only scored 99 runs (all out; 18.1 overs). Afghanistan's Dawlat Zadran was chosen as player of the match because of his outstanding bowling, which helped to prevent Namibia from scoring the runs they needed to reach the target Afghanistan set for them.

See scorecard.

March 22, 2012: Helmand's Buzkashi players push local officials to setup a playground for the sport

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Buzkashi players from Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand have recently met with Ismatullah Muslim, the head of the provincial sports department, and Mayor Mohammad Fazel Safi about building a separate ground to play Buzkashi on. The players are asking that a ground be built so that it has the capacity for many spectators. Mayor Safi promised the players that he will look for an appropriate place to setup the ground, and he added that Buzkashi is a sport that many enjoy playing and watching in Helmand province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 20, 2012: Afghanistan defeats Bermuda, will face off against Namibia in the Preliminary Final match

As many predicted, Afghanistan defeated Bermuda by 15 runs today to obtain their seventh win in a row in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, currently being held in the United Arab Emirates. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan reached 177 for 5 (20 overs), and Bermuda was not able to reach that target, they only reached 162 for 7 (20 overs). Mohammad Shahzad was given the player of the match honors for his 64 runs (not out). With this win, Afghanistan, who is on the top of Group A, will now face off against the head of Group B, Namibia in the Preliminary Final.  Namibia has also won 7 in a row. The match is scheduled for March 22nd.

See scorecard.

March 20, 2012: Country wide cricket tournament to start, spring football tournament ends in Helmand

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) will start a country wide cricket tournament on March 30, 2012. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager of Helmand province said that the Helmand Elected Team will participate in the tournament. Abshar said that 20 teams from different Afghan provinces will take part in the upcoming tournament. He added that these 20 teams will be divided into 4 groups, and the games will be played in Kabul and Jalalabad.

In other sports news, the spring football tournament came to a conclusion on Friday, March 16th in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. According to Ismatullah Muslim, the provincial sports director, 16 teams participated in the event. Muslim said that Qanoon and Perozai faced off in the final match. Qanoon won the game 5-4. Muslim added that the winning team will now go to Kabul to compete in other tournaments. On the final day of the tournament, gifts were distributed to the players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 19, 2012: Another team falls to Afghanistan as they get their sixth win in a row

Dawlat Zadran

Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by 9 wickets (with 53 balls remaining) today to obtain their sixth win in a row in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, currently being held in the United Arab Emirates. Afghanistan's Dawlat Zadran's five-wicket haul secured him the player of the match honors.  Tomorrow, March 20th, Afghanistan will face off against Bermuda. It should be an easy win for the team since Bermuda has only won one game so far in this tournament.

See scorecard.

March 18, 2012: Five wins in a row for Afghanistan's national cricket team

Samiullah Shenwari

Afghanistan defeated Canada by 41 runs today to obtain their fifth win in a row in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, currently being held in the United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 174 runs (9 wickets) in 20 overs, Nepal did not reach the target and only finished with 133 runs (9 wickets) in 20 overs. The player of the match honors went to Samiullah Shenwari who took four wickets and scored 61 runs for the team.

This win adds two more points for Afghanistan, bringing to the total to 10. Afghanistan remains on top for Group A, with 8 points and a Net RR of +1.764. The Netherlands is in second, followed by the Canada. In Group B, Namibia is in first place and have also won 5 games in a row, losing none. However, Namibia's  Net RR is only +1.032.

Tomorrow, Afghanistan will play against Hong Kong, who so far has won 2 games and lost 3.

See scorecard.

March 17, 2012: Selection cricket matches underway in Helmand

Helmand Elected Team (green) and Helmand New Youth (blue)
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Selection cricket matches started on Friday, March 16th in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager said that they are testing the players for upcoming provincial tournaments. He added that the best players will be selected from the different cricket clubs. Helmand Elected Team went up against Helmand New Youth Cricket Club in a 50 overs match. Helmand Elected Team made 250 runs in 50 overs, losing 4 wickets. Helmand New Youth Cricket Team won the match, since they reached the target in 46 overs, losing 3 wickets. The man of the match honors went to Pashtoon Barak from Helmand New Youth, because he made 110 runs in the game.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 17, 2012: Taekwondo competition held in Maidan Wardak; Local football match held in Helmand

By Noor Ahmad Noori

For the first time, a Taekwondo competition was held on March 14th in Afghanistan's eastern province of Maidan Wardak, according to Rasul Din Shah, the manager of the Taekwondo Federation in the province. He said that practitioners from 4 districts participated in the competition.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, a one day friendly local football match was held between Omaid and Azad. Momtaz Ahmad, an official from the provincial sports department said that Omaid won the match 3-0. The goals were scored by Rahmatullah and Feroz.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 16, 2012: Four wins in a row for Afghanistan's national cricket team

Afghanistan defeated Nepal by 34 runs today to obtain their fourth win in a row in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, currently being held in the United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 157 runs (6 wickets) in 20 overs, 52 came from Karim Sadiq. Mohammad Shahzad also contributed 52. Nepal did not reach the target and only finished with 123 runs (6 wickets) in 20 overs. The player of the match honors went to Karim Sadiq again.

This win adds two more points to Afghanistan points total. Afghanistan remains on top for Group A, with 8 points and a Net RR of +1.688. Canada is in second, followed by the Netherlands. Afghanistan will rest tomorrow and then take on Canada on Sunday, March 18th.

See scorecard.

March 15, 2012: Three wins in a row for Afghanistan's national cricket team

Karim Sadiq

Afghanistan defeated Denmark by 89 runs today to obtain their third win in a row in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, currently being held in the United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 172 runs (5 wickets) in 20 overs, 91 came from Karim Sadiq. Denmark did not reach the target and only finished with 83 runs (9 wickets) in 20 overs. The player of the match honors went to Karim Sadiq for his 4 wickets and 91 runs.

This win adds two more points for Afghanistan. Since Nepal lost their match, Afghanistan is now in the top for Group A, with 6 points and a Net RR of +1.681. The Netherlands and Nepal are in second and third place. Tomorrow, March 16th, Afghanistan will face off against Nepal.

See scorecard.

March 15, 2012: Nangarhar lost to Pakistani team; Cricket training ended in Helmand

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Elected Cricket Team from Nangarhar province lost their first match against Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cricket team earlier this week, Tuesday, March 13th. The 30 overs match was played in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Arbab stadium. Tayyab Akhunzadah, a cricket official from Nangarhar said that the Pakistani team batted first and made 210 runs in 30 overs, losing 7 wickets. Nangarhar's Elected Team did not reach that target and only made 160 runs in 30 overs, losing 9 wickets. The man of the match honors went to Pakistani player Arfan for scoring 85 runs in the game.

In other cricket news, in Afghanistan's Helmand province, a 6-day training workshop that started on Tuesday, March 6th came to a conclusion on Sunday March 11th. The training was provided by the Loba Sports Training Organization (LSTO). According to the provincial cricket board manager, Mohammad Tahir Abshar, this was the first time that LSTO trained 100 cricket players in Helmand Province. He also added that the training was very useful and that the players learned a lot. The players were trained in batting, fielding, and bowling.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 14, 2012: The Netherlands defeated by Afghanistan in cricket match

Afghanistan defeated the Netherlands by 4 wickets (with 2 balls remaining) today in a Group A match of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, currently being held in the United Arab Emirates. Mohammad Shahzad was chosen as the player of the match for his 54 runs scored in the game. Total runs for Afghanistan was 150 (7.62 runs per over), and it was 149 (7.45 runs per over) for the Netherlands.

With this win, Afghanistan adds another 2 points to their overall score and are now behind Nepal in the overall Group A rankings. Both Nepal and Afghanistan have 2 wins, however, Nepal is in first place because it has a Net RR of +1.982 and Afghanistan has a Net RR of +0.277.

Tomorrow, March 15th, Afghanistan will take on Denmark, and on the 16th, they will face off against Nepal.

See scorecard.

March 13, 2012: Afghanistan defeats Papua New Guinea at the ICC Twenty20 Qualifier tournament

Mohammad Nabi

Afghanistan defeated Papua New Guinea today by 6 wickets in their first game of the 12-day ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament currently being held in the United Arab Emirates.

With this win, Afghanistan gains two points in the tournament. The player of the match award was given to Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan for his batting performance. He was responsible for 52 of the 113 runs Afghanistan scored against Papua New Guinea.

Tomorrow, March 14th, Afghanistan will be going up against the Netherlands. Besides Afghanistan, 15 other Associate and Affiliate teams will be vying for two open spots at the main event scheduled for this September in Sri Lanka.

March 13, 2012: Women's football tournament underway in Kabul

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one week long football tournament between 16 women's teams has started in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul, according to a report from Salaam Watandar Radio on Sunday, March 11th. The report said that the 16 teams are divided into 4 groups. The event is being held to mark and celebrate International Women's Day.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 10, 2012: Afghanistan defeats Qatar to win 2012 ACC U-16 Challenge Cup

Afghanistan's 2012 U-16 team at the Challenge Cup

One team after another fell to Afghanistan's outstanding batting and bowling, and today, it was Qatar's turn. Afghanistan took on Qatar in the final match of the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-16 Challenge Cup today in Thailand, and defeated them by 92 runs. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They went 200 all out off 37.1 overs. Qatar could not reach that goal and only went 108 all out off 31 overs. Sayed Hakim was given the man of the match honors for scoring 59 runs in the game. In the ceremony held at the conclusion of the tournament, Afghanistan's Parvis Khan was awarded as the best batsman of the whole tournament, and his team-made Naween-ul Haq was awarded as the best bowler of the whole tournament.

March 9, 2012: Spring football tournament and cricket training in Helmand province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The spring football tournament started on Tuesday, March 6th in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. According to the provincial sports director, Ismatullah Muslim, the tournament will take around 20 days and 16 football teams are participating in the event. Muslim added that the purpose of the tournament is to help further the footballers' skills. A large number of spectators were present on opening day.

Also on Tuesday, a cricket training workshop started in Helmand. The training is being provided by the Loba Sports Training Organization (LSTO). According to the provincial cricket board manager, Mohammad Tahir Abshar, around 100 cricket players are being trained. Abshar did not mention how long the training will be, however, he did say that the players are being trained in batting, fielding, bowling and other cricket roles. On the first day, Abshar said that the LSTO provided the players with uniforms and cricket equipment. Abshar expressed his gratitude to the LSTO and said that this will really help to improve the skills of the Helmandi cricket players. The head of the LSTO trainers, Zorab Shah, said that the LSTO is providing this type of training to players in other provinces as well.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 8, 2012: Back to back victories for Afghan U-16 cricket team

Despite a strong presence from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Afghanistan held on and defeated the UAE by two wickets on Tuesday, March 6th in their third game of the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-16 Challenge Cup. The UAE posted 110 all out off 30 overs, and Afghanistan responded with 113 for 8 off 26.3 overs. The man of the match honors went to Afghanistan's Shafiullah Mohammad.

On Wednesday (March 7th), Afghanistan took on China and won by 349 runs at Traidhos Oval to obtain their fourth win a row. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Afghanistan posted 358 for 4 off 40 overs. China was kept at 9 all out off 8.4 overs. The man of the match honors went to Afghanistan's Naween ul-Haq.

March 8, 2012: Nangarhar's Elected Team to play cricket in Pakistan; Afghan boxer awarded medal

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The cricket directorate of Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar announced that 19 cricket players from the province's Elected Team will go to Peshawar, Pakistan for 10 days. Haji Tahir Kamawal, an official with the directorate said that the team will spend 5 days playing against different Pakistani teams, and 5 days practicing. Kamawal said that the purpose of this trip is for the team to prepare themselves, and improve their skills for upcoming tournaments.

In other sports news, The Taand News Agency reported that Hamid Rahimi, the Afghan boxer who recently won the the interim World Boxing Union (WBU) Championship title in Germany, was given the Ghazi Mir Masjidi Khan medal by President Hamid Karzai. The report added that Karzai appreciated Rahimi's success and wished him further success. The medal was presented to Rahimi at the Arg in front of high level Afghan officials.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 7, 2012: Cricket tournament underway in Laghman; ANA team defeated Indian team 2-1; Youth football tournament underway in Herat

By Noor Ahmad Noori

An 18-day cricket tournament started yesterday in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman. Mohammad Jameel Stanikzai, an official from the cricket directorate of Laghman province said that the event is named after Emadul Din, the former head of the Laghman provincial assembly who was martyred. Twelve cricket clubs from the province are participating in the event.

In football news, Bakhtar News Agency reported that Afghanistan's National Army football team traveled to India to take on the football team from the Indian Airfield Forces. Three matches were held from February 25 to March 3rd. The Afghan team won 2 matches and lost one.

In other football news, the sports department of Herat province announced that a youth football tournament is currently in progress, and will be wrapping up soon. Ziaul Haq Zia, a sports official from the province said that yesterday, Atefaq took on Hewad, won the match 2-1, and earned themselves a place in the final. The final is scheduled to be played on Friday, March 9th.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 5, 2012: One cricket tournament ends in Nangarhar, and another started in Kunar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A peace cricket jam ended on Friday, March 2nd in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar. According to an eastern zone cricket official, Tayyab Akhunzadah, the tournament was between 28 cricket teams from around the province. Mooye Mobarak and Faqrullah High School made to the final match. Mooye Mobarak batted first and made 79 runs in 12 overs, losing 9 wickets. Faqrullah High School made 79 runs in 7 overs and lost 2 wickets, thus winning the jam.

Meanwhile, according to a cricket official from Kunar province, Sibghatullah Hamidi, a hardball cricket tournament between 44 cricket clubs from around the province has started. Hamidi said that the tournament is being made possible due to financial support from a Kunari youth organization.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 4, 2012: Afghanistan's U-16 team wins again; Boxer Hamid Rahimi visiting Afghanistan

In their second game of the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-16 Challenge Cup, Afghanistan overpowered Bhutan and easily defeated them by 311 runs. Afghanistan went 354 for 5 off 40 overs, and Bhutan went 43 all out off 21 overs. The man of the match honors went to Afghanistan's Parvis Khan who scored 131 runs in the game. Jawaid Ahmadzai who scored a century in yesterday's game also brought in 62 runs for the team. The Afghan team will rest on Monday and play against the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday at Gymkhana.

In other sports news, Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi who recently won the interim World Boxing Union (WBU) Championship title in Germany is in Afghanistan. He arrived in Kabul to a big delegation waiting for him; he was surrounded by many fans and sports officials. Yesterday, the fighter gave his boxing gloves used in his championship fight to Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee.

March 3, 2012: Skiing in Bamiyan

Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency reported today that a major skiing competition was held on Friday in Afghanistan's central province of Bamiyan. Mohammad Kabir Tofan, the head of Bamiyan's sports department, told the news agency that both local, and foreign skiers from the United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland and India participated in the event. The event was held at the Baba Mountains (Kohi Baba). Tofan added that the aim of the event was to attract tourists to the province. Another skiing event will be held on March 8th in honor of Women's Day. According to Tofan, 40 women and girls are expected to participate in the event.

March 3, 2012: Afghanistan defeats Maldives in cricket

In their first game of the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) U-16 Challenge Cup, Afghanistan defeated Maldives by a whopping 316 runs. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, opening a major onslaught on the team from Maldives. Afghanistan reached 353 for 5 off 40 overs. Maldives only reached 37 off 22.1 overs. The man of the match honors went to Afghanistan's star player Jawed Ahmadzai for scoring the first century (161) of the tournament. Tomorrow, Afghanistan will take on Bhutan.

March 3, 2012: Peace Volleyball Tournament underway in Nangarhar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A 20 day volleyball tournament has started between 8 teams in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar. Salaam Watandar reported on March 1st that the tournament is being played Nangarhar's Seraj ul Amarat playground. The report said that the aim of this tournament is to spread the message of peace through sports and to strengthen the presence of the sport of volleyball in the province. The report added that on the first day of the tournament the Srah Road District team defeated the Shagi volleyball team 3-0.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

March 3, 2012: Laghman to choose Elected Team and 150 players receive training

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Qarar Azizi, the eastern zone cricket board manager announced that on Monday, March 5th, an event will be held to determine members of Laghman's Elected Team. Thirty of the best players are expected to be chosen out of around 800 cricket players from Laghman province. According to Azizi, these players will then play on provincial cricket matches and tournaments.

In other cricket news from Laghman, the Loba Sports Training Organization (LSTO) announced this week that 150 cricket players completed a 6 days long special training event on Tuesday, February 28th. Zorab Shah Zaheer, a deputy official of the LSTO said that the players were trained in batting, fielding, bowling and various other roles.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 29, 2012: Football tournament ends in Kandahar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A football (soccer) tournament between 13 A group teams ended on Monday, February 27th in Afghanistan’s southern province of Kandahar.

The director of the sports department, Mohammadullah Gulaly told news agencies that the tournament was started more than one month ago, and that 13 A group football teams from around the province had participated in the tournament. He said Ahmad Shah Baba High School won first place, followed by Atifaaq.

On the final day of the tournament, gifts were distributed to the players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 28, 2012: Olympic style event to be held in Kabul; Afghan U1-16 cricket team to complete in Asian Challenge Cup

The Afghanistan National Olympic Committee has announced that an Olympic style event will be held in Kabul this summer, according to a report today from Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN). The head of the committee, Mohammad Zahir Aghbar told PAN that Afghan boxer Hamid Rahimi, who recently won the interim World Boxing Union (WBU) Championship title in Germany is planning to compete against an American rival.

In other sports news, Afghanistan's Under 16 (U-16) cricket team will travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand to compete in the Asian Cricket Council's 2012 U-16 Challenge Cup. The event is scheduled to start on March 3rd. Besides Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Maldives, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to participate in the event.

Schedule:

Sat 3 Mar
Bhutan v UAE at Prem Oval
Afghanistan v Maldives at Gymkhana

Sun 4 Mar
Afghanistan v Bhutan at Prem Oval
China v Qatar at Gymkhana

Mon 5 Mar
Maldives v Qatar at Prem Oval
China v UAE at Gymkhana

Tue 6 Mar
Maldives v Bhutan at Prem Oval
Afghanistan v UAE at Gymkhana

Wed 7 Mar
Afghanistan v China at Prem Oval
Qatar v Bhutan at Gymkhana

Thu 8 Mar
Maldives v China at Prem Oval
UAE v Qatar at Gymkhana

Fri 9 Mar
Maldives v UAE at Prem Oval

Sat 10 Mar
Afghanistan v Qatar at Prem Oval
Bhutan v China at Gymkhana

February 26, 2012: Try out for fast bowlers to be held in Nangarhar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced that on Monday, February 27th, they will hold try outs for new bowlers for the national A cricket team. The try outs will start at 8:30 am local time in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar. The event is scheduled for only one day. The judges will be Raes Ahmadzai, the chief of the fast bowler committee, Dawlat Ahmadzai, a deputy official of the national cricket team, Nawroz Mangal, the captain of the national cricket team, and Karim Sadiq, a player for the national team.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 26, 2012: Umesh Patel appointed as batting coach

The Afghanistan Cricket Board's Chief Executive, Nasimullah Danish announced to the media today that Indian national Umesh Patel has been temporarily appointed as the batting coach for the national cricket team. He will help the team ahead of the upcoming 2012 International Twenty20 Cricket Tournament. Patel is a director at the Global Cricket School in Mumbai, India.

February 26, 2012: Football Profile: An interview with Mr. Amanullah "Pashtoon"

Helmandi footballer Amanullah "Pashtoon"
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

A short interview with a football (soccer) player from Afghanistan’s Helmand province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Noori:  What is your name?

Amanullah:  My name is Amanullah and my nick name is “Pashtoon”. Both of these names were chosen by my father. I really love the names, especially my nick name.

Noori How old are you?

Amanullah:  I am 17 years old, and I was born in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province.

Noori:  How many brothers do you have?

Amanullah: : I have two other brothers. One is older and one is young, I am the middle one.

Noori:  In which class do you study?

Amanullah: : I am now in class 12 in the Kartelagan Boys High School.

Noori:  Which subject do you like most?

Amanullah:  I like biology a lot and it’s my most favorite subject.

Noori:  Do you study anything else?

Amanullah:  Yes, I have also attended Computer and English language courses.

Noori:  How long have you been playing football?

Amanullah:  I have been playing football for four years. We have a B group football team named Himat Roshan. Every day we play football after school time, and some times we also have matches with other teams.

Noori:  How many friends do you have that you play with?

Amanullah:  Over all, we have 24 people that  make matches and tournaments. All of my colleagues are students too.

Noori:  Why do you like football?

Amanullah:  I my opinion football can make one healthier, stronger. It is an international game, and it has more fans in the world than any other sport.

Noori:  Have you participated in any tournaments?

Amanullah:  Yes, two month ago we had an Anti-narcotic tournament so our team participated in that tournament.

Noori:  What are your achievements?

Amanullah: : We have played in local competitions, and have won many medals.

Noori:  What is your message to the youth?

Amanullah:  My special message is for all youths to take part in the development of Afghanistan, and I kindly ask those who are addicted to smoking to give up this bad habit and work for their country.

Noori: Thank you very much for giving me time for this interview.

Amanullah: You’re most welcome.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 25, 2012: Rahimi wins WBU title; Bahadurzada scheduled to fight on April 14th

Hamid Rahimi

German based Afghan boxer, Hamid Rahimi stopped Ruslan Rodivich in the 8th round of a 12 round middle weight championship fight to win the interim WBU (World Boxing Union) belt. The two fought last night, in front of a sold out crowd in Hamburg, Germany. With this win, Rahimi improves his record to 20 wins and only one loss.

In other combat sports news, Afghan MMA fighter Siyar Bahadurzada will take on Brazilian Paulo Thiago on Saturday, April 14th in Stockholm, Sweden in the Ercsson Globe Arena. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event will be shown on Fuel TV. Thiago has a record of 14 wins and 3 losses.

February 23, 2012: Disabled cricket team defeats Sapi cricket club

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one day 20 overs cricket match was played on Tuesday, February 21st between the eastern zone disabled cricket team and the Sapi cricket club in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar, said a report from the Taand News Agency. According to the report, the disabled team batted first and made 164 runs in 20 overs, losing 6 wickets. The Sapi cricket club only made 85 runs, losing all wickets. The man of the match honors went to Honar Khan from the disabled team, he had received 4 wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 21, 2012: Cricket Profile: Rahmatullah Khan

Rahmatullah Khan
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Rahmatullah Khan is an active and happy 21 year old all rounder who is currently on Helmand province's Elected Team. The Elected Team is comprised of the best players from Helmand province. Khan currently lives in Helmand's Grishek district, however, he was born in Spin Boldak, Kandahar. He has studied until grade 10th. Khan, who is a right handed player, learned how to play cricket while he lived in Quetta, Pakistan, and has played many matches in various Pakistani cities.

When he returned to Afghanistan, he participated in numerous zone and nationwide competitions. His best game was against Kandahar's team in which he made 82 runs. He said that he will never forget how successful he was in this game. It is because of outstanding performances such as his game against Kandahar, that Khan was chosen to be part of the Elected Team. He added that he very much appreciates the provincial cricket board's decision to put him on the Elected Team.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 18, 2012: Nangarhar defeats Badghis in cricket

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A 40-overs friendly cricket match between teams from Nangarhar and Badghis provinces ended in Nangarhar's favor today.

Hajji Hedayatullah. the provincial cricket board manager of Nangarhar province said that the team from Nangarhar batted first, and they made 208 runs in 40 overs. Badghis only made 138 runs in 35 overs and lost all wickets.

Hedayatullah added that Nasim Qassab, from the Nangarhar team, made 30 runs and took three wickets, so the man of the match honors went to him.

The match was played in Nangarhar province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 18, 2012: Female Afghan boxer has left for the UK for training

Sadaf Rahimi

Sadaf Rahimi, the only female boxer to represent Afghanistan in the upcoming Olympic Games in London left for the United Kingdom for training today, according to report from Pajhwok Afghan News (PAN). Rahimi had been invited by the International Boxing Federation, said the report. The 17-year old will be there for 20 days and work with professional trainers. Rahimi will represent Afghanistan in the 54kg category. She recently won a gold medal in an event in Tajikistan. Besides Rahimi, Afghan martial arts practitioners, Rohullah Nikpai and Nisar Ahmad Bahawi will also represent Afghanistan in this year's Olympic Games.

February 17, 2012: Afghanistan's women's football teams defeats Qatar; Peace Cricket Jam in Kunar province comes to a conclusion

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The BBC Pashto News Service reported yesterday, February 15th, that Afghanistan's women football (soccer) team defeated Qatar 2-0. Sabira Azizi, the captain of the team scored the first goal and the second goal was scored by Marjan Haidari.

In other sports news, the 3-match "Peace Cricket Jam" between Kunar's cricket team and a Pakistani team from Peshawar came to a conclusion today in Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar. The Taand News Agency reported that Kunar won two matches and the Pakistani team won one. The first match was a 30 overs match, and the other two were 40 overs. The Taand report said that Kunar's Pacha Housain was given the man of the match honors for scoring 51 runs in the final match, and Adnan Kunari, also from the Kunar team, was given the man of the series honors for scoring 138 runs and receiving 6 wickets.

Kunar's provincial governor, Syed Fazlullah Wahidi, the cricket board manager, Qarar Azizi, a member of the provincial assembly, Abdullah Adil, and a large number of cricket fans and other spectators were present to watch the final match. The Taand report added that governor Wahidi gave each team 50,000 afghanis. Kunar's anti-narcotics department gave 12,000 afghanis to each team, and the Kunar chamber of commerce gave each team 10,000 afghanis.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 16, 2012: Peace cricket jam underway in Kunar province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A 3-day cricket competition called the "Peace Jam" started yesterday in Asadabad, the capital of Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar, according to the provincial cricket officials. A Pakistani team from Peshawar came to play against the local team from Kunar. The first match was a 30 overs match, and the rest will be 40 overs.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 13, 2012: Helmand Mayor Sponsors Elected Team

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Mohammad Fazel Safi, Helmand's new mayor recently announced that he will sponsor the Helmand Elected Team, which consists of the best players chosen from the various local cricket clubs. The Elected Team will represent the province of Helmand in the upcoming nationwide tournament. Safi said that the Municipality will take care of all the team's expenses, and provide a separate ground for the cricket players.

Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager, praised and appreciated the mayor on his decision, and said that this sponsorship will resolve the financial and technical issues the players are currently facing. Abshar said that this will help the players to bring honor to the province when they participate in the nationwide tournament. Abshar also made a request to the provincial businessmen to extend financial support to the Helmandi players.

Mohammad Aimal Naeemi, a member of the Elected Team, also welcomed the mayor's decision. He said that this will further empower and encourage the players to do their best and bring honor to Helmand in upcoming tournaments. He added that he and his colleagues will not forget the mayor's kindness.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 11, 2012: Achekzai wins Helmand's winter cricket tournament

Ceremony to mark the end of Helmand's winter cricket tournament
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The winter cricket tournament came to a conclusion on Friday, February 10th in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Achekzai and Jahani cricket clubs faced off in the final match. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager said that Jahani selected to bat first. They scored 175 runs in 20 overs, losing 6 wickets. Achekzai reached the target in 19 overs, losing 9 wickets, thereby winning the tournament.

The main of the series honors went to Abdul Rahman from the Jahani cricket club, and the man of the match honors went to Achekzai's Mohammad Aimal Naeemi. Abshar said that the top players will go on to participate in the upcoming nationwide tournaments.

Mohammad Fazel Safi, Helmand's new mayor was in attendance for the final match. In his speech, he praised all the players, and promised to help further develop the sport in the province. Ismatullah Muslim, the provincial sports director, also praised the cricket players. In a ceremony held at the end of the event, trophies and gifts were distributed to the top teams and players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 10, 2012: Afghanistan loses to Pakistan in ODI match

Despite playing their hearts out, Afghanistan's national cricket team lost today by seven wickets (with 77 balls remaining) to Pakistan. It should be noted that Afghanistan played without their top bowler, Hamid Hassan. He wasn't able to play due to an injury. The player of the match honors went to Shahid Afridi of Pakistan for his outstanding bowling. This was Afghanistan's first One Day International (ODI) against a Test-playing nation and the first ODI played between an Affiliate Member of the ICC and a Full Member. Right now, Afghanistan has no more ODI matches scheduled against Full Member nations, however, there are reports that there are talks with Bangladesh.

View Scorecard.

February 4, 2012: Helmand: Winter volleyball tournament ends; Karate competition held

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A month long winter volleyball tournament has ended in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Eight local teams had participated in the event, and according to Ismatullah Muslim, the provincial director of sports, first place went to Marjah, Bost came in second and Saranwali finished third.

Meanwhile, a one day Hashira Karate competition was held in the provincial police headquarters. The members of the police force took on the general public. Abdul Nabi Alham, the provincial chief of police said that the event was held to help improve the relationship between the people and police. High level members of the police were present during the competition.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 3, 2012: Afghan athletes to compete in Fajr Jam

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Abdul Mahboob Sarwari, an official with Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee, announced that Afghan athletes have left for Iran to compete in the upcoming 10th International Fajr Jam. There will be competitions in various sports. Afghan runners will be competing in the 60 to 1000 meter races. Besides running, Afghans will also compete in Wushu. Five Afghan women Wushu athletes, a coach, and the head of the Wushu Federation have left for Iran as well. Sarwari said that the event will start on February 4th and will last for 3 days.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 2, 2012: ACB announces three 20 overs matches in Pakistan; Afghan youth football team to participate in festival in Pakistan

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to three 20 overs matches in Lahore City, Pakistan. An official from the ACB, Naseemullah Danish, said that these matches will take place before the February 10th One Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Danish did not mention the exact time of the matches but did add that Afghan coach Kabir Khan started training his players 4 days ago. The purpose of these matches are to help prepare the Afghan team for the International World Cup.

In other sports news, an Afghan youth football team (14 year olds), will travel to Pakistan this year to participate in a football festival, Tahir Raufi, Afghanistan's Football Federation Technical Manager said. The date was not mentioned. According to Raufi, A similar festival occurred 4 years ago in Iran and this time it will be held in Pakistan. Raufi added that the hope is that in three years, Afghanistan will be able to host this event. Iran as well as 8 South Asian football teams are expected participate in the festival.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

February 2, 2012: Cricket in Badakhshan province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Afghanistan's north-eastern province of Badakhshan has 4 cricket teams, according to Farid Ahmad, Badakhshan's provincial cricket board manager. Ahmad said that 4 other teams are supposed to register under the provincial cricket directorate soon. There are currently no female teams in the province.

Ahmad said that while there are people who are interested in the sport, the full development of the sport in the province still has a long way to go. There are many financial as well as technical problems in the province, for example, like some other provinces, Badakhshan lacks an adequate cricket field. According to Ahmad, the provincial government has promised them a field, but has yet to deliver on the promise. Ahmad does note that his relations with the Afghanistan Cricket Board are good.

Currently the weather in Badakhshan is not suited for cricket matches, but as soon as it improves, Ahmad said that they will hold a cricket tournament.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 31, 2012: Sound round of winter cricket tournament has started in Helmand; Afghan golf team to participate in South Asia golf tournament

Al Noor cricket club, one of the local teams from Helmand that
has made it to the second round of the winter cricket tournament.
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Mohammad Tahir Abshar, Helmand's provincial cricket board manager, said that the second round of the winter cricket tournament started yesterday. According to him, 6 teams have qualified to go to the second round. The teams are: Hewad, Setara, Achekzai, Al Noor, Itehaad, and Jahani. Weather permitting, the second round is expected to take almost 8 days.

In other sports news, Salaam Watandar radio reported today that Afghanistan's national golf team has left for Bangladesh to compete in the South Asia golf tournament. Two athletes, as well as the coach are part of the Afghan delegation. Afghan golfer Umran Ali, who is currently in Sudan is also expected to participate in the tournament. According to the report, a total of 8 South Asian countries are expected to participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to start on February 1st.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 29, 2012: Samadi wins volleyball game in Helmand; Bad weather halts cricket games in Balkh

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In the ongoing winter volleyball tournament currently being held in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, Samadi played against Ariana and defeated them. According to Mohammad Roustam, the volleyball federation manager, Samadi won two rounds and Ariana won one. The match was held today (Sunday) in the Hamid Karzai stadium in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province.

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan's northern province of Balkh, cricket tournaments and matches have been put on hold due to the cold and rainy weather in the province, according to Naseerullah, the provincial deputy cricket board manager. Naseerullah said once the weather improves, the games will resume.

The youth in Balkh are very much interested in cricket, they find the game to be very unique, according to Naseerullah. He said that Balkh has 12 cricket clubs and even a female team, called "Afghan Club". Unfortunately, the female team has not been able to play because they don't have a cricket field to play on. However, he added that a cricket field is currently being constructed in the province so they can play soon.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 28, 2012: Winter volleyball tournament resumes in Helmand

Mohammad Roustam
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Volleyball federation officials in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand said yesterday that a winter volleyball tournament that was delayed due to the cold and rain weather has resumed. Mohammad Roustam, the federation's volleyball manager said that so far only 5 teams have been able to play. On the first day back, Bost took on Saranwali. Bost won 3 rounds and Saranwali only one.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 28, 2012: Helmand: Shaheen defeats Lemar in local football match

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one day friendly football (soccer) match was held between two local Group B teams in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand yesterday. The match started at 9:00 am local time. Momtaz Ahmad, Helmand's deputy sports director, said that Ali Raza and Mohammad Akbar each scored a goal for Shaheen. The only goal from Lemar came from a player named Akmal. Therefore, Shaheen won the match 2-1.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 28, 2012: Players from Zabul and Oruzgan complete training in Kandahar, and youth level cricket tournament started in Helmand

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Officials from the Loba Sports Training Organization (LSTO) have announced that cricket players from Zabul and Oruzgan provinces have recently completed their training in Kandahar province. Zurab Shah, a deputy official from LSTO, said that they have trained 50 cricket players from Zabul and 50 players from Oruzgan. The players were taught batting, bowling and fielding skills. Shah said that the training provided to these players will greatly improve their skills and further their cricket careers. On the first day of the training, LSTO distributed uniforms, shoes and other equipment to the players.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Helmand province, a 15-overs youth level (B teams) cricket tournament has started, according to Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager. Abshar said that there are currently 4 youth level teams that are participating in tournament, which is expected to last a week. Abshar said the event is being held to further popularize the sport in the province. On the first day, the Achekzai B team played against the Sapian B team and defeated them. Achekzai made 112 runs in 14 overs, losing all wickets, and Sapian made only 93 runs in 15 overs, losing all wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 26, 2012: Snow stops cricket games in Nuristan province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In Afghanistan's eastern province of Nuristan, cricket matches have been cancelled because of the heavy snow that has fallen there, according to Hayatullah Nuristani, the province's cricket board manager. However, a tournament is being planned after the snow ends, added Nuristani.

Nuristani also added that there are 5 local cricket teams in Nuristan, and that, they are looking to get a cricket field and have even reached out to the provincial governor to help make this happen.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 26, 2012: Big football tournament in Herat

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Ziaul Haq Zia, the Deputy Sports Director in Herat province, said that a big football (soccer) tournament is currently in progress in the province. He said that a total of 64 teams are expected to participate in the event. At the end of the tournament, 16 teams will be selected to be part of the "Best League", 24 for the "First League" and 24 for the "Second League", Zia added. On the first day of the tournament, Abu Muslim took on Meelad and won 2-1.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 25, 2012: Cricket in Zabul province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In Afghanistan's southern province of Zabul, local cricket officials say that the youth in the province are interested in playing cricket, however, they don't have an adequate field for them to play on.

The provincial cricket board manager, Allah Noor Azizi, said that the players actually use a football (soccer) field instead. Azizi said that they have escalated the issue all the way up to the provincial governor, Mohammad Ashraf Nasari, and have asked him to provide them with an adequate cricket field. According to Azizi, the governor has promised them land for the cricket field, but he has yet to deliver on this promise.

Azizi had good words to say about the national cricket board, and has met with their top management. According to him, they have promised to give him their full support in helping to develop the sport in the province.

Azizi said that there are currently 21 cricket teams in the province, and 3 of them are junior level teams.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 25, 2012: Friendly junior level football matches held  in Herat and Helmand

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Ziaul Haq Zia, the Deputy Sports Director in Herat province's Sports Department, said that a junior level football (soccer) tournament is currently underway in the province. So far, 3 matches have occurred. In the first match, Asteqlal defeated Pamir 2-0. Then in the second match, Kahkasan defeated Razi 2-1, and in the third match, Afghan defeated Maiwand 2-1.

Yesterday, in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, a junior level football match was held between two local teams, Azad and Khpalwak. Azad defeated Khpalwak 1-0. Sports officials in the province use events like this to advice the youth in the province on the importance of an education, living a good life, and staying way from violence and drugs. Currently, the students are off on 10 days vacation after completing their quarterly exams.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 24, 2012: Afghanistan held its first-ever snow rugby game

Afghanistan's Rugby Federation (ARF) put together the first-ever snow rugby game today at the Golf Ground at Qargha, in Kabul. Two rugby teams in Afghanistan helped to make this history. Kabul United played against Rahmani Club and defeated them 24 to 5.

Snow rugby is a type of rugby that is played in winter conditions, particularly in deep snow. Normally, the game is played in such places as Canada, Latvia, and South America. ARF officials said that the players today played on 50 cm of snow.

January 24, 2012: Helmand: Winter Cricket Tournament Update

Mohammad Tahir Abshar
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the cricket board manager in Helmand province, said that in the ongoing winter cricket tournament, so far, only 3 matches have been played because of the recent rainy weather. The following matches have occurred:

Hewad Cricket Club vs. Sitara Cricket Club
Hewad made 165 runs and Sitara made only 120 runs.

Achekzai vs. Al Noor Cricket Club
Al Noor made 124 runs and Achekzai made only 114 runs.

Bakhtar vs. Itehaad Cricket Club
Bakhtar made 116 runs and Itehaad outscored them and made 129 runs.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 23, 2012: ANA winter sports tournament underway in Kandahar province

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The 205 Attal Qule Urdu Afghan National Army (ANA) in the southern province of Kandahar has begun a winter sports tournament, according to a report yesterday from the Taand News Agency. According to the report, the tournament is being held in the sports ground of the 205 Attal ANA forces. Events will be held in volleyball, football, cricket, running, Taekwondo, chess and stone throwing, the report added.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 23, 2012: Kabul cricket team in Kunar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Salaam Watandar radio reported today that a cricket team from Kabul recently went to the eastern province of Kunar on an invitation from the Kunar Cricket Board to play against different local teams from Kunar. The invitation was sent so that the players can improve their skills as well as enhance their friendships. The Kabul cricket team participated in 5 matches with various different local teams from Kunar province, according to the Salaam Watandar report. In the last day of a 20 overs match, the Kunar cricket team made 204 runs in 20 overs. The Kabul team only scored 77 runs in 20 overs, thus losing to the team from Kunar.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 22, 2012: Winter cricket tournament underway in Helmand

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The winter cricket tournament started on Friday in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the cricket board manager in Helmand, said that the event will last for 3 weeks, and that 9 A level teams are participating in the event. Abshar said that the event is being held to further develop the sport, improve the skills of the local players, and to choose the best players for upcoming provincial tournaments. He said that the 9 teams are divided into 3 groups. Each group will play 2 matches amongst themselves, and eventually the winners of the groups will face off until the winning team is selected.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 19, 2012: Winter volleyball tournament started in Helmand

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Sports officials in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand announced that the winter season volleyball tournament has begun. The Sports Director in the province, Ismatullah Muslim, said that the tournament will last for one month and that eight local teams are participating in the tournament. He added that four tournaments of this nature are held every year.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 19, 2012: Helmand: Azad and Bost football match ends in a draw

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In the ongoing winter football (soccer) tournament currently being held in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, Azad took on Bost. According to Ismatullah Muslim, the Director of Sports in the province, both teams played very well. Muslim said that the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 19, 2012: Cricket tournament held in Oruzgan province

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A six-day 20 overs cricket tournament has concluded in Afghanistan's southern province of Oruzgan. According to the Provincial Media Office of Oruzgan, it was the first cricket tournament held in the province by the provincial sports department.

A press release issued stated that six cricket teams from around the province participated in tournament. In the final day of the tournament, the Oruzgan cricket club gave a 75 run target to the Azizi Bank cricket club. Azizi Bank reached the target in 12 overs and won the match.

It was also stated in the press release that Mohammad Omar Sherzad, the provincial governor, had said that they will soon construct a new sports ground in the province .

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 16, 2012: Sherzai defeats Sharwaali in local football match

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Momtaz Ahmad, Helmand province's acting deputy sports chief, said that a football match was held yesterday between two local teams, Sherzai and Sharwaali. Ahmad added that Sherzai defeated Sharwaali 2-1.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 14, 2012: Khyber cricket club defeats Azad cricket club

Khyber and Azad cricket clubs
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Khyber cricket club won a one-day 20-overs friendly cricket match against the Azad cricket club in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. The Khyber cricket club belongs to the Grishek District of Helmand province, which is almost 60 km away from Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province. The Azad team is from Lashkar Gah city.

According to the Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager, the Azad team elected to bat first. Azad made 181 runs and lost all wickets. Khyber reached the target in 13 overs and lost 2 wickets. The winner of the match was the Khyber cricket team.

Abshar said that the purpose of this match was to help further develop the cricket skills of the players, and to improve the relationships between the players from the different districts.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 14, 2012: Winter football tournament has started in Helmand

Ismatullah Muslim and Abdul Razaq at the inauguration, cutting the ribbon.
Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The winter season football (soccer) tournament officially started on Friday in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, said Ismatullah Muslim, a sports official from the province. Ismatullah Muslim, the Director of Sports, Abdul Razaq, a football trainer, and other officials officially opened the winter season football tournament in a special ceremony. Each season a football tournament begins in the province, which makes four football tournaments a year in the province.

During the inauguration ceremony, Muslim said that the tournament will take one month and that 16 local teams are going to participate in the event. At the end, four players will be selected to participate in the upcoming zone tournaments.

The officials advised and requested that the players respect the rules, each other, and play hard to further develop the sport in the province.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 14, 2012: Garmser beats Marjah in volleyball

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one day volleyball match was held a few days ago in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand between Garmser and Marjah districts. Garmser won the match. Ismatullah Muslim, the Sports Director in the province, said that the event was held to further develop the sport in the province, and to give fans of the sport an opportunity to watch a game.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 8, 2012: Afghan martial arts practitioners honored and rewarded

Bahawi (left) and Nikpai (Right)

Yesterday, Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency reported that Afghanistan's Foreign Minister, Zalmai Rasul, had held a special event to celebrate the achievements of the Afghan martial arts practitioners, such as Nesar Ahmad Bahawi, Rohullah Nikpai, and Mahmud Haidari. He referred to them as ambassadors of peace, and said that they have brought honor to Afghanistan.

Today, the same news agency reported that land plots were present to two Taekwondo practitioners, Nesar Ahmad Bahawi and Rohullah Nikpai by Khalilullah Hotak, head of the Sultan Mahmud Ghaznawi residential townships in Ghazni province.

January 8, 2012: Setara cricket club beats Hewad cricket club

By Noor Ahmad Noori

The Setara cricket club won a 20 overs friendly cricket match against the Hewad cricket club yesterday in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. According to the provincial cricket board manager, Mohammad Tahir Abshar, Setara made 206 runs and lost five wickets. The Hewad cricket club only made 183 runs in 20 overs and lost two wickets.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 7, 2012: Change of plans for Afghan water polo team

Afghanistan's national water polo team was supposed to travel to the United States for their first international training trip, however, the team's plans have changed since their visas were rejected. Now, instead of the team going to the United States, a group of coaches from the United States and Germany will travel to Afghanistan from May through July 2012 to coach the team, and help grow the sport in the country.

The visas were rejected because of concerns that the players wouldn't return to Afghanistan after the visas expired. However, the visa for the lone female player has been approved and she will go the United States to train with various college teams. She will then return home to help start a national Afghan women's water polo team.

Afghanistan Water Polo, the governing body of water polo in Afghanistan, created to promote and develop the sport in the country, will be hosting a fundraising event on February 16, 2012 in Irvine, California. According to a press release form the organization, the event will include a catered dinner, silent auction, and a presentation about the progress of growing water polo in Afghanistan. The proceeds from the event will fund the coaches’ trip to Afghanistan in May and to support grass roots water polo programs in Afghanistan..

January 7, 2012: Achekzai wins 20 overs friendly cricket match

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Yesterday, Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the cricket board manager in the southern province of Helmand, said that a friendly 20 overs cricket match was played between two local cricket clubs, Achekzai and Al Noor. He said that the match was held to further develop the relationship amongst the different players. Achekzai batted first and gave Al Noor a 146 run target, losing 4 wickets in 20 overs. Al Noor cricket club only made 140 runs and lost 8 wickets, therefore, Achekzai won the match.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 5, 2012: Helmandi cricket players to get training

Mohammad Tahir Abshar

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager in Helmand province,  announced that the top management in Loba Sports Training Organization (LSTO) have decided to send trainers to Helmand province so that they can train local Helmandi cricket players. Training sessions will be held this month so that the local cricket players can improve their batting, bowling and fielding techniques. Abshar said that he appreciated LSTO's decision to help further develop the skills of the local cricket players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 5, 2012: Omaid beats Azad in local cricket match

By Noor Ahmad Noori

Yesterday, on January 4th at 2 pm local time, a friendly one day cricket match was held between two local teams in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Omaid took on Azad and won the match. Omaid scored 160 runs in 20 overs, losing all wickets. Azad only made 150 runs in 19 overs, losing all wickets. The man of the match honors when to Ahmad Shah from the Omaid team for completing a half century.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 5, 2012: Local football match ends in a draw

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A one day friendly football (soccer) match was held between two local teams on Tuesday, January 3rd, in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand. Acting Deputy Chief of Sports, Momtaz Ahmad, said that the match between team Azad and team Afghan ended in a 1-1 draw. He said that the match was held to further develop the relationship amongst the different football players.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 2, 2012: Setarah defeats Itehadd cricket club

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

In a one day 20-overs friendly cricket match held in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, Setarah cricket club defeated Itehaad cricket cricket club. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board manager, said that Itehaad gave a 150 run target to the Setarah club. The Setarah club only made 145 runs in 19 overs and lost all wickets. Therefore, the winner of the match was the Itehaad cricket club.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi

January 1, 2012: Kabir Khan back as coach

Kabir Khan has been reappointed as the coach of Afghanistan's national cricket team, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) told the media yesterday. Khan, a Pakistani national, was originally appointed as the national team's coach in 2009, but resigned last year due to conflicts with the ACB. Khan has been coaching the United Arab Emirates team since he had resigned last year.

January 1, 2012: Achekzai beats Jahani cricket club

Photo by: Noor Ahmad Noori

By Noor Ahmad Noori

A twenty-overs cricket match was played between Achekzai and Jahani cricket clubs in the southern province of Helmand. Mohammad Tahir Abshar, the provincial cricket board Manager reported that Jahani won the coin toss and batted first. Jahani made 174 runs and lost all wickets. Achekzai made 174 in 19 overs and lost 7 wickets. The winner of the match was Achekzai cricket club.

-- Edited by Abdullah Qazi