Afghanistan Secures Medals at Islamic Solidarity Games, Wins Asian U-17 Futsal Title

Afghanistan recorded several achievements in international sports over the past year, including medals at the Islamic Solidarity Games and a continental futsal title, alongside some setbacks in cricket and football.

At the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Afghanistan sent 69 athletes across 13 disciplines and won one gold medal, one silver and one bronze. Mohammad Yusuf Jahangir claimed gold in Muay Thai, defeating opponents from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Mohsen Rezaei earned silver in taekwondo, while Mohammad Jafar Sultani took bronze in wushu.

The Afghanistan U-17 futsal team achieved a historic milestone by winning the first-ever Asian U-17 futsal championship in Bahrain. The team reached the final with consecutive victories and defeated Iran to claim the title.

In buzkashi, Afghanistan's national team advanced to the semi-finals at the World Buzkashi Championships in Kazakhstan, beating Hungary, Russia and Mongolia before losing to Uzbekistan.

However, the teams faced challenges in other events. In the Asian U-19 cricket tournament hosted by the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan recorded one win and two losses, failing to advance; Pakistan won the title by defeating India. The U-17 football team did not progress beyond the preliminary stage, missing qualification for the Qatar World Cup. In the Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan was eliminated in the group stage following defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.