SOCIETY — April 19, 2026
Herat Hosts National Horse-Riding Competition with Athletes from 14 Provinces
A national horse-riding competition has started in Herat province featuring athletes from 14 provinces. The eight-day event aims to promote sports, youth unity and Afghanistan's sporting potential.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok — 2 min read

HERAT - National horse-riding competitions have commenced in the western province of Herat with the participation of athletes from 14 provinces of Afghanistan.
The event is taking place at the provincial equestrian field and was officially inaugurated in the presence of government officials, diplomats and local residents.
It is organized by the National Equestrian Federation in cooperation with the Herat Department of Physical Education, Sports and Olympic Affairs and the provincial equestrian federation. The competition is scheduled to last for eight days.
Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, Director-General of Physical Education and Sports, addressed the inauguration ceremony. He praised the event, saying it would promote sports, bring the youth of the country closer together and showcase Afghanistan's sporting potential to a wider audience.
Mufti Abdul Rahim Rahmani, who serves as the head of the Physical Education, Sports and Olympic Department in Herat, also spoke at the event. He stated that the province has the capacity and capability to successfully host major national sporting competitions.
One of the athletes participating in the competition, Allah Dad Raufi from Jawzjan province, expressed his satisfaction with the event. Raufi welcomed the competition, noting that it would help in promoting interaction and exchange of experiences among athletes hailing from different provinces of Afghanistan.
Officials say the main goal of holding the national horse-riding competition is to promote sports activities and strengthen unity among the youth of the country.
Read the original reporting at Pajhwok →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Pajhwok) provides direct on-record attribution with multiple named officials (Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, Mufti Abdul Rahim Rahmani, Allah Dad Raufi), concrete details (14 provinces, specific venue in Herat, 8-day duration, named organizing bodies). Core event of a national sports competition is not contested or controversial.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Pajhwok
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Society — Herat, horse-riding competition, National Equestrian Federation, sports event, youth unity
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in Society

Islamic Emirate Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Traffic Accident in Laghman
— Reliable

Seventeen Drown in Panjshir Rivers Last Year, Tourists Urged to Exercise Caution
— Reliable

World Health Organization Warns of Disease Risks from Floodwaters in Afghanistan
— Reliable

Vehicle Carrying Returnees Overturns in Laghman, Killing 18 and Injuring 29
— Reliable