The Taliban in Ghor province have awarded a local wrestling champion a firearm as a prize, a move that has drawn criticism from some residents.
Jan Mohammad Haidari, the Taliban’s head of the Football Federation in Ghor, has published a video of the ceremony showing him presenting the weapon to the athlete.
The move comes as sport is widely recognised around the world as a symbol of peace, friendship, solidarity and healthy competition. However, awarding a weapon to a sports champion has raised questions about the message such recognition sends to society, particularly to the younger generation.
Critics say sports champions should be honoured for their skills, efforts and achievements, rather than with an object associated with violence and killing. They argue that in a country whose people have experienced decades of war and insecurity, sport should provide an opportunity to promote peace and hope, rather than serve as a platform for highlighting weapons.
The incident has once again raised debate about how athletes are honoured in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and the values conveyed to society through such ceremonies.
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