Afghanistan’s national Kyokushin-kan karate team returned home in triumph after securing three prestigious medals at the international “Nations Cup” (Cup of Nations) tournament held in Moscow, Russia.
Kabul 24: The competition, which took place from late February to early March 2026 at the Basket Hall stadium in Luzhniki, drew elite athletes from over 40 countries worldwide, making it one of the most significant events on the Kyokushin-kan calendar.Despite sending only three athletes to compete in the kata and kumite divisions, the Afghan contingent delivered outstanding performances against formidable international opposition.
The team demonstrated exceptional preparation, discipline, and fighting spirit, earning widespread praise for representing Afghanistan with honor under challenging circumstances.
In the kata category, Sensei Maqbool Shah Momand delivered a commanding and technically flawless display to claim the gold medal and world championship title.
His dominant performance highlighted Afghanistan’s growing strength in the discipline. Zaristan Khan Gardiwal followed closely in the same event, earning a well-deserved silver medal and second-place finish after a strong showing among top global competitors.In kumite, Amir (Omar) Momand competed fiercely in the 60 kg weight class. After intense bouts against powerful opponents, he secured the bronze medal, placing third and adding to the team’s medal haul.
Muhammadullah Saberi, Executive Director and representative of the Kyokushin-kan Organization in Afghanistan, warmly welcomed the athletes back and commended their achievements. “These three fighters prepared thoroughly and fought with great determination.
They proudly upheld Afghanistan’s name on the world stage, proving that our athletes possess world-class talent even with limited resources,” he stated.
The athletes emphasized that they funded their participation personally, covering travel, accommodation, and competition expenses without significant government or private-sector support.
They appealed to Afghan authorities, sports federations, and private sponsors to provide greater backing in future international events, enabling larger teams and better preparation to compete at the highest levels.
The Nations Cup featured more than 1,500 participants across various age and skill categories, with competitions in both kata (forms) and kumite (full-contact fighting) taking place on multiple tatami mats.
Afghanistan’s success with just three competitors stands as a remarkable accomplishment, showcasing resilience and skill amid adversity.
This achievement not only brings pride to the nation but also inspires young Afghans to pursue martial arts. Federation officials view the results as a major milestone for Kyokushin-kan in Afghanistan and a foundation for future growth in the sport.
