The Taliban’s Directorate of Physical Education and Sports has officially suspended the game of chess in Afghanistan.
According to Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the department, the decision was made due to “issues within the leadership of the Chess Federation” and unspecified “religious concerns” related to the game.
Mashwani told TOLOnews that religious evaluations regarding chess are currently underway, and a final decision about its reinstatement under the sports authority will be made following those assessments. However, the Taliban have not provided details about the nature of their religious objections to the game.
This move is part of a broader pattern by the Taliban, who have imposed restrictions on several sports and forms of entertainment since returning to power. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), for instance, is currently banned under Taliban rule.
In addition, women have been barred from participating in all sports, a policy that has drawn widespread domestic and international criticism.