Kabul: The Taliban has prohibited chess in Afghanistan due to religious concerns, continuing its resistance against various forms of entertainment and sports, as reported by Khaama Press.
According to reports, this decision was made based on "religious considerations" and the restrictions announced by the Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
The ruling has indefinitely halted chess-related activities in Afghanistan. Officials from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports confirmed the suspension of chess events on May 11, indicating that the sport will remain banned in the country until appropriate responses regarding religious concerns are determined.
Reports suggest that no chess activities will be allowed to resume until these issues are addressed. The Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has also dissolved the Afghanistan Chess Federation, labeling the game "haram" (forbidden) according to their interpretation of Islamic law, as stated by Khaama Press.
This decision continues a growing pattern of restrictions imposed by the Taliban on cultural, social, and sporting events in Afghanistan since they took control. Prior to this ban, several chess players and enthusiasts had reportedly sought permission and financial aid from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports to pursue their activities. However, the Taliban's announcement of the ban has further hindered their efforts to participate in the game.
Chess, once regarded as an intellectual sport in Afghanistan, had experienced a revival in recent years, with the national federation functioning under the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports, according to Khaama Press. The Taliban's recent position, citing interpretations of Islamic law, underscores their broader strategy to limit cultural and recreational pursuits in Afghanistan.
The prohibition on playing chess illustrates the Taliban's increasing limitations on freedoms in the country. Additionally, the Taliban has imposed numerous restrictions on women in Afghanistan. It remains uncertain how long these policies will persist or whether the international community will successfully urge the Taliban to reconsider their decisions.
Earlier in February, the Taliban declared that students would be required to wear the newly issued Taliban uniform starting from March 22. This announcement was made public on February 27.
The notice specified that students in grades 1 through 9 must don a blue shirt, pants, and a white hat, while students in grades 10 through 12 are required to wear a white shirt, pants, and a headscarf or turban, as reported by Khaama Press.
Previously, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada endorsed a nine-point decree mandating that all public and private school uniforms consist of a shirt, pants, turban, and white hat. The decree did not provide details regarding uniforms for female students or teachers. Female students are required to wear black uniforms.
Since taking power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has barred girls from continuing education in schools beyond the sixth grade and has closed universities and medical education centers to them.
