Afghanistan to Host International Kurash, Sambo and Traditional Wrestling Festival in Kabul

The Ministry of Olympic, Physical Education and Sports has confirmed that Kabul will host an international sports festival featuring Kurash, Sambo, and traditional wrestling. The competition is scheduled to open on April 23, 2026, with ministry officials stating that all venue preparations and administrative arrangements have been finalized.

The event will host more than one hundred and sixty athletes from seven participating nations. The confirmed delegations include competitors from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Turkey. Athletes will compete in their respective disciplines over the course of the festival, with the ministry coordinating match schedules and officiating teams.

Ministry representatives have publicly invited citizens to attend the matches. Organizers emphasized that the festival aims to provide a structured platform for regional athletes to compete and exchange sporting techniques. The ministry confirmed that all logistical requirements have been met and that the event will proceed as planned.

Kurash and Sambo have established competitive circuits across Central and South Asia, while traditional wrestling maintains a longstanding presence in Afghan athletic culture. The ministry noted that hosting international competitors aligns with ongoing efforts to develop sports infrastructure and encourage youth participation in organized athletics. Officials stated that the festival will serve as a key opportunity to showcase Afghanistan’s commitment to regional sporting cooperation.