The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has suspended the game of chess indefinitely, citing concerns that it may encourage gambling and conflict with Islamic principles.

The decision, announced by the Taliban's Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, halts all chess-related activities until religious scholars determine whether the game aligns with Islamic law. The move adds chess to a growing list of sports restricted under Taliban rule, particularly for women, who have been largely excluded from public sports since the group's return to power in August 2021.

Speaking to AFP, sports directorate spokesman Atal Mashwani said chess is “considered a form of gambling” under some interpretations of Islamic sharia. “There are religious sensitivities regarding chess, and until those are clarified, the sport remains suspended,” he stated.

The ban has drawn disappointment among local chess enthusiasts. Azizullah Gulzada, a café owner in Kabul who hosted informal chess matches, said the decision would negatively impact youth engagement and his business. “Many young people used to gather here, drink tea, and play chess. This was one of the few healthy outlets they had,” he said, also noting that chess remains popular in many Muslim-majority nations.

This is not the first sport the Taliban has targeted. In 2023, the government banned mixed martial arts (MMA), labeling it excessively violent and incompatible with Islamic values. Face-punching in particular was cited as a violation, leading to the effective outlawing of the sport.

Since reclaiming power, the Taliban has enforced a conservative interpretation of Islam, steadily reintroducing restrictions on public life, cultural expression, and sports—particularly impacting Afghan youth and women.

SMS/