The Taliban stops chess in Afghanistan because of the fears of gambling

The Taliban Government in Afghanistan has banned chess until a further notification because of fears that the game is a source of gambling.

Officials said the game was banned indefinitely until its compatibility with Islamic law could be determined.

Chess is the most new sport that will be limited by the Taliban. Women are essentially forbidden to participate in sports.

Since seizure of power in August 2021Taliban constantly impose laws and regulations that reflect its strict vision for Islamic law.

On Sunday, Atal Mashanani, a spokesman for the Taliban Government Sports Directorate, said the Sharia in Islamic Law was considered a means of gambling. “

“There are religious considerations about chess sports,” he told AFP.

“Until these considerations are discussed, chess sports has been stopped in Afghanistan.”

An owner of a cafe in Kabul, who has hosted informal chess races in recent years, said he would comply with the decision, but that would hurt his business.

“Young people do not have many activities these days, so many came here every day,” said Azizula Gulzada.

“They would drink a cup of tea and challenge their friends in a chess game.”

He also noted that chess is played in other countries with a majority of Muslims.

Last year, authorities banned free fighting such as mixed martial arts (MMA) in professional competition, saying it was too “violent” and “problematic about Sharia.”

“It has been found that sport is problematic about Sharia and there are many aspects that contradict the teaching of Islam,” a Taliban spokesman said last AugustS

MMA competitions were effectively outlawed in 2021, when the Taliban introduced legislation prohibiting a “punching of a face”.