Afghanistan: Taliban government bans chess

The Taliban government has added chess to the list of prohibited activities, classifying it as gambling and violating moral values, the Afghan Sports Authority announced today.

Chess is considered a "means of betting", which is banned by the law on spreading virtue and preventing vice, passed last year, Sports Authority spokesman Atal Mashwani told AFP.

Because of the religious issues involved, chess will be suspended in Afghanistan until these issues are resolved, Mashwani added, without specifying the penalties for the offense.

After returning to power in 2021, the Taliban gradually imposed their ultra-rigorous vision of Islam, banning certain activities and sports.

The Taliban banned MMA (mixed martial arts) competitions last year, saying it was "too violent and problematic for Sharia law", while cricket is still widely practiced, but only among men.

The Taliban have gradually ostracized women from social life, banning them from parks, gyms, beauty salons and universities, prompting the UN to condemn such "gender apartheid".

Source: Today