In a move that has sparked domestic discontent and international criticism, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan has officially suspended the sport of chess nationwide. The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, cited concerns over the game’s alignment with Islamic law, particularly its alleged connection to gambling—prohibited under the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia.
The decision was communicated by Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the Taliban’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, and is being positioned as a temporary measure pending review by Islamic scholars.
Why It Matters
This suspension is the latest in a series of cultural and recreational restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021. Critics argue that such decisions are steadily eroding civil liberties and diminishing safe spaces for intellectual engagement and mental well-being, especially among Afghan youth.
Local cafe owners, many of whom hosted informal chess matches, have expressed concern. Azizullah Gulzada, a cafe owner in Kabul, noted that the ban has already affected his business and disrupted a vital recreational outlet for many in the community.
Key Highlights of the Ban
- Announced by: Atal Mashwani, Taliban sports directorate spokesperson
- Date: May 12, 2025
- Scope: Nationwide suspension of all chess activities
- Reason: Alleged link to gambling, violation of Sharia law
- Status: Temporary; under review by Islamic religious scholars
Local and International Impact
In Kabul and other major cities, chess boards have been removed from cafe’s and public spaces. Previously, chess had been widely embraced in Afghanistan, not just as a game but as a cultural and intellectual pursuit.
Human rights organizations and global sports bodies have condemned the move, calling it a setback for individual freedoms and mental health. They point out that chess is not banned in other Muslim-majority nations like Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia, where it is often encouraged as a mind sport.
Background: A Pattern of Restrictions
The chess ban joins a growing list of cultural and sports prohibitions enforced by the Taliban government:
- MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) competitions were banned previously.
- Women’s participation in sports has been broadly restricted.
- Public musical performances, television entertainment, and cinema have all faced increasing censorship.
Significance and Reactions
This move is being viewed as a symbol of the Taliban’s tightening grip on Afghan society. Analysts say it illustrates the regime’s continued effort to reshape public life according to its hardline religious ideology.
Beyond the symbolic impact, there are real-world consequences—from reduced recreational opportunities to the suppression of intellectual expression and social interaction.
Conclusion
While the Taliban insists the ban on chess is temporary and pending review, it raises serious concerns about freedom of recreation, thought, and cultural expression in Afghanistan. For many, chess was not just a game, but a rare space for peace, strategy, and mental stimulation in a country facing deep political and social turmoil.
Whether or not the suspension is lifted in the coming months, it has already become a powerful marker of the broader restrictions being placed on everyday life in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
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