KUALA LUMPUR – The National Olympic Committee (NOC) in Taliban-led Afghanistan is keen to forge ties with Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry, hoping to gain international recognition and improve the country’s sports sector.
Speaking to Scoop, Afghanistan NOC Secretary-General Irshadulhaq Sadiqi highlighted the challenges his committee faces in achieving global recognition, noting that the current administration has not been acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
It is important to note that the IOC still recognises the NOC administration from Afghanistan’s pre-Taliban regime.
At present, the IOC acknowledges Hafizullah Wali Rahimi, who is in exile, as the president of Afghanistan’s NOC.
“We are inside Afghanistan. Those outside the country aren’t in touch with the athletes and don’t know about the issues they face. So my responsibility as NOC secretary-general is to improve relationships with the international community,” Irshadulhaq told Scoop.
During a visit to Malaysia last month by a Taliban Education Ministry delegation, Irshadulhaq took the opportunity to meet with Badminton World Federation (BWF) representatives.
He explained that his personal decision to engage with the BWF stemmed from his past role as president of the Afghanistan Badminton Federation (ABF), during which he discussed the future and challenges faced by Afghan athletes.
However, it should be noted that a BWF statement in August confirmed they only recognise the ABF administration currently in exile.
Further, during his visit to Malaysia, Irshadulhaq was acting in his capacity as the former head of external relations for the Afghanistan Education Ministry, a position he no longer holds.
On the topic of female participation in sports, Irshadulhaq clarified that such matters fall under national policy, outside the jurisdiction of the NOC.
He explained that the Taliban government adheres to Islamic teachings that enforce gender segregation but indicated that female participation in sports could be possible if Afghanistan developed syariah-compliant sports facilities and infrastructure.
“It’s possible and this is something I am keen about. However, I am responsible for establishing international relationships and I am not in charge of policy,” he added.
The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, however, has reported that experts have concluded the Taliban regime has imposed a ban on female participation in sports. Afghan women who competed in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics did so as citizens in exile.
“My last message is I hope to have a friendly meeting with the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry to try and learn from them as well as to achieve their successes,” Irshadulhaq said.
“I also hope to connect Afghanistan athletes with Malaysian players because I believe discussions will lead to more achievements. We will be happy to host a delegation from Malaysia here in Afghanistan.” – December 8, 2024