Taliban Sports Official Meets with Russian Sports Leaders to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, the Director General of Physical Training and Sports at the Taliban-run National Olympic Committee, met with the Russian Minister of Sports and the President of the Russian Olympic Committee during his visit to Russia. Wasiq posted on the social media platform X that the meeting focused on expanding bilateral sports relations between the two sides. He did not disclose further details about any agreements or concrete outcomes from the discussions. He also participated in a special youth medalists’ forum during the visit, emphasizing the importance of organizing similar programs to develop sports ties between Afghanistan and Russia. These meetings come amid serious challenges faced by the Taliban administration in the sports sector, particularly concerning public participation and the involvement of girls and women in sports activities. This issue continues to attract criticism from sports organizations and human rights groups, casting a shadow over Afghanistan’s international sports engagements.