Taliban Bans Chess in Afghanistan, Citing Gambling and Religious Concerns

Chess enthusiasts across Afghanistan are facing disappointment as the Taliban government has officially suspended the game nationwide, citing concerns that it promotes gambling — an act considered illegal under its interpretation of Islamic law.

The decision was confirmed by Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the country’s sports directorate, who stated, “Chess in sharia is considered a means of gambling,” referring to the 2023 Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law. He added that the ban would remain in place until the religious concerns are addressed.

Since reclaiming power in 2021, the Taliban has introduced a series of restrictions aimed at aligning Afghan society with their strict vision of Islamic governance. This chess ban is the latest in a line of crackdowns that have also affected other sports, including a ban on mixed martial arts last year, which was deemed too “violent” for public competition.

Local business owners are already feeling the impact. Azizullah Gulzada, who runs a café in Kabul where young people often gathered to play chess, said the ban would not only hurt his business but also remove a rare source of entertainment and social interaction. “There’s no gambling here. People just come for tea and a friendly game,” he told AFP.

Gulzada also pointed out that many other Muslim-majority countries allow chess and even compete internationally. Despite his disagreement, he said he would comply with the decision.

In recent years, Afghanistan has seen growing restrictions on public activities, particularly affecting sports and women’s participation. With fewer recreational outlets available, the ban on chess is another blow to the already limited opportunities for leisure, especially for Afghan youth.

News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.