Taliban bans Chess in Afghanistan citing religious concerns

The Taliban banned chess in Afghanistan over religious concerns, continuing its opposition to various forms of entertainment and sports, ANI reported citing Khaama Press reported.

As per the report, the decision comes amid "religious considerations" and restrictions announced by the Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

The decision now places chess-related activities on hold for an indefinite period in Afghanistan. Taliban-led Sports Ministry officials confirmed the suspension of chess activities on Sunday, stating that the sport will remain banned in the nation until suitable responses are found regarding religious concerns.


As per reports, no activities related to chess would be allowed to resume without addressing these issues. Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has also dissolved the Afghanistan Chess Federation, terming the game "haram" (forbidden) as per the interpretation of the Islamic law, Khaama Press reported.

The decision comes at a time when Taliban has been imposing several restrictions on cultural, social and sporting events in Afghanistan since it seized power.

Prior to the announcement by the Taliban, several chess players and enthusiasts reportedly requested permission and financial support from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports to continue their activities. However, the Taliban announced the ban, further complicating their efforts to play the game.

Chess was once considered an intellectual sport in the country. It saw a resurgence in the recent years, with the national federation operating under the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports, Khaama Press reported. However, the Taliban's recent stance, citing Islamic legal interpretations, showed their broader strategy to restrict cultural and recreational activities in Afghanistan.

The Taliban has also imposed several restrictions on women in Afghanistan. It remains to be seen how long these policies will last or whether the international community will be able to pressurise the Taliban to reverse their decisions.

Since seizing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has banned girls from pursuing studies in schools above sixth class and closed the doors of universities and medical educational centres to them.