Taliban bans chess in Afghanistan

The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan due to fears the game is a source of gambling.Officials sources said the game has been prohibited indefinitely until its compatibility with Islamic law can be determined. Chess in Islamic sharia law is considered a means of gambling. There are religious considerations regarding the sport of chess, they said. The decision places chess-related activities on hold indefinitely in Afghanistan. Officials from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports confirmed the suspension of chess activities on May 11, 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. Before the Taliban's announcement regarding the ban, several chess players and enthusiasts reportedly requested permission and financial support from the Talibanled Ministry of Sports to continue their activities. However, the Taliban announced the ban, further complicating their efforts to play the game.
Chess, once considered an intellectual sport in Afghanistan, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with the national federation operating under the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports.Last year, the authorities banned free fighting such as mixed martial arts (MMA) in professional competition, saying it was too "violent" and "problematic with respect to sharia".Chess, long regarded as a tool for cognitive development and decision-making, has deep historical ties to the region and had seen a revival in Afghanistan in recent decades. Afghan players participated in international competitions and local tournaments prior to the Taliban’s return.