Sun May 11 17:49:01 UTC 2025: ## Afghanistan Bans Chess Over Gambling Concerns
**Kabul, Afghanistan –** The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned chess nationwide, citing concerns that the game constitutes gambling, a violation of the country’s strict interpretation of Islamic law. The ban, announced Sunday, affects all levels of play, from professional competitions to casual games.
A spokesperson for the sports directorate, Atal Mashwani, stated that chess is considered a form of gambling under the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice law, implemented last year. He indicated that the ban would remain in place until religious concerns are addressed.
The decision has drawn criticism from some, including Azizullah Gulzada, a Kabul cafe owner who hosted informal chess tournaments. Gulzada denied any gambling occurred at his establishment and pointed out that chess is played internationally in many Muslim-majority countries. He expressed concern over the impact the ban would have on his business and the local community, noting the lack of recreational activities available to young people.
This latest restriction adds to a growing list of limitations on sports and recreational activities in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. Women are already largely excluded from participating in sports, and last year, mixed martial arts were banned due to concerns about violence. The ban on chess underscores the Taliban’s increasingly austere interpretation of Islamic law and its impact on Afghan society.
First Piper 