Afghan Athlete Protests Exclusion from Asian Indoor Championships, Alleges Corruption in Athletics Federation

Mohammad Bilal Rasouli, an Afghan athletics athlete, has strongly protested the performance of the Afghanistan Athletics Federation, stating that despite setting the best record and winning first place in national competitions, he was denied participation in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in China.

Rasouli told Afghanistan International that he was the primary candidate for the event, even introduced as such by federation officials. He trained intensively for three months, focusing entirely on preparation. However, he was informed that only 'one athlete and one coach' were sent to China, without the knowledge of the federation's leadership. Rasouli traveled from Herat to Kabul at his own expense for travel, hotel, and other costs to obtain a passport, but received no clear explanation for his exclusion. He questioned, 'To what hope should we train, when right does not reach the rightful?' and positioned himself as the voice of athletes striving for Afghanistan's honor but facing injustice.

Afghanistan International reported, citing documents it obtained, allegations of corruption and nepotism in the federation. Acting head Shapur Amiri sent his son Sahil Amiri as the federation's secretary-general to the China event. The federation's official notice mentioned only 'one athlete and one coach' without names. According to World Athletics rules, a father and son serving simultaneously in a federation structure constitutes a conflict of interest violating international principles.

The report noted Amiri previously sent another son, Shahzib Amiri, as a national team athlete to athletics competitions in Iran. Amiri was appointed by Rubina Jalali, the federation president who resides abroad. Athletes have repeatedly protested Amiri's management and the prioritization of sending his relatives abroad over talented competitors. Women's participation in Afghan athletics, including international events, is reportedly ignored entirely. Jalali has remained silent amid queries and protests, raising doubts about transparency and accountability in the federation.

Rasouli demanded serious investigation by relevant authorities and transparency in athlete selection and dispatch processes.