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An Afghan man looks on during a mixed martial arts class at a club in Kabul, Afghanistan, 27 August 2024. The Taliban administration has officially banned Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/Free Fight, deeming it incompatible with Islamic teachings. It was announced by the Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to the National Olympic and Physical Training Committee, citing concerns over violence and safety risks associated with the sport. The ban went into effect on 27 August, with some clubs being able to practice into the evening due to the time taken to communicate the edict across the country. Ahmadullah Vathiq, head of the Taliban's physical training, stated, “After research, it became clear that this sport has problems from the point of view of Sharia... it has no right to continue its activities in Afghanistan”. This ban adds to the growing list of restrictions imposed by the Taliban, including previous prohibitions on women participating in sports. (Photo by Samiullah Popal/EPA/EFE)
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