Kabul – Sirajuddin Haqqani, Acting Minister of Interior Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, held a meeting with representatives and athletes from various countries participating in the International Traditional Wrestling Festival in Kabul.
kabul 24: According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, Haqqani praised the presence of foreign athletes and the warm hospitality extended to them during the event. He described the gathering as clear evidence that Afghanistan is steadily moving toward progress and stability, while the message of peace and security from the country is spreading widely across the region and beyond.
In his remarks, Haqqani expressed gratitude to the participating athletes and said: “Athletes are unofficial sports ambassadors of their countries.
Therefore, they should carry the message of peace, brotherhood, and a positive image of Afghanistan back to their homelands.”He assured the leadership of the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport, as well as Afghan athletes and officials, of full cooperation and comprehensive support from the Ministry of Interior.
Haqqani also commended the excellent organization of the competitions and the warm hospitality shown to the foreign guests.The International Traditional Wrestling Festival, initiated by the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport, has brought together athletes from several countries including Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.
The event features traditional wrestling styles such as Kurash, Sambo, Rostami wrestling, and belt wrestling.The tournament, which includes around 160 athletes in total, aims to promote cultural exchange, regional cooperation, and the development of traditional sports in Afghanistan.
It began earlier this week in the capital, Kabul, and has been described by officials as a significant achievement for Afghan sports.Haqqani’s meeting underscores the Islamic Emirate’s efforts to use sports as a platform for showcasing stability and fostering international ties.
By hosting such multi-national events, Afghanistan seeks to project an image of normalcy and openness to the outside world despite years of isolation.Sports officials believe the successful holding of the festival and high-level governmental engagement will encourage greater participation in future editions and help elevate the standard of traditional wrestling within the country.
The presence of foreign delegations in Kabul for this festival is viewed by many as a positive step in improving Afghanistan’s international sports profile and strengthening people-to-people connections with neighboring nations.
