Sport
Afghan Peaks founder climbs Aconcagua to promote Afghanistan’s mountain potential
The mountain was first climbed in 1960 by a Japanese expedition and remains a major objective for high-altitude mountaineers.
Afghan mountaineer Samuel Sidiqi has successfully summited Mount Aconcagua (6,962 meters), the highest peak in the Americas and one of the famed Seven Summits, as part of his mission to promote mountain sports and outdoor development in Afghanistan.
Sidiqi reached the summit on February 14, 2026, marking another milestone for Afghan mountaineering. His latest achievement builds on his 2023 ascent of Mount Everest, when he became the first Afghan national to stand atop the world’s highest mountain.
The Aconcagua expedition was supported logistically by Grajales Expeditions, one of the longest-operating guiding companies on the mountain. Founded by mountaineering pioneer Fernando Grajales, the company has spent more than five decades assisting climbers with expedition infrastructure and operational expertise.
For Sidiqi, the climb is part of a broader vision tied to his work as founder of Afghan Peaks, a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) charity focused on building mountain skills among Afghans and promoting environmental stewardship. The organization supports initiatives in skiing, mountaineering, avalanche awareness, and outdoor education, particularly in Afghanistan’s central highlands.
Much of Afghan Peaks’ work is concentrated in the Bamiyan region, where community-based ski programs and youth training initiatives have been expanding. The group aims to foster a sustainable mountain economy by equipping local communities with the skills needed for safe engagement with their environment, while also highlighting Afghanistan’s potential for adventure tourism.
Sidiqi says his international climbs are designed not only as personal challenges but also as a platform to inspire Afghan youth and draw global attention to the country’s natural landscape.
“Each climb is an opportunity to show Afghan boys and girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve. The mountains teach patience, responsibility, and teamwork—values that matter both on and off the mountain,” he said.
Aconcagua is known for its high altitude, unpredictable weather, and physical demands. By reaching its summit, Sidiqi continues to strengthen his role as an advocate for mountaineering, youth development, and mountain safety in Afghanistan.
Afghan Peaks says it will continue working with local and international partners to advance mountain sport development, avalanche education, and environmental preservation initiatives across the country.
Afghanistan’s potential
Afghanistan possesses vast untapped potential for mountaineering, thanks to its dramatic and diverse mountain landscapes.
The country is home to sections of the Hindu Kush, the Pamir Mountains, and the Koh-i-Baba range, offering peaks that rival some of the world’s most celebrated climbing destinations.
With elevations exceeding 7,000 meters, glaciers, high-altitude valleys, and remote alpine terrain, Afghanistan presents significant opportunities for expedition climbing, trekking, ski mountaineering, and alpine training.
Beyond elite mountaineering, the country’s mountains hold promise for grassroots outdoor development, which is exactly what Afghan Peaks also focuses on.
From an economic perspective, mountaineering and adventure tourism could become part of a long-term strategy for sustainable development.
Carefully managed eco-tourism, guided expeditions, and local mountain services would create jobs while encouraging environmental stewardship.
With the right investment in safety standards, training, and infrastructure, Afghanistan’s peaks could one day attract international climbers seeking new and less-crowded challenges.
Afghanistan’s highest peak is Noshaq, which rises to 7,492 meters (24,580 feet) above sea level.
Noshaq is located in the eastern part of the country in the Hindu Kush mountain range, close to Pakistan. It is the second-highest peak in the Hindu Kush and is known for its challenging climbing conditions, extreme altitude, and remote setting.
The mountain was first climbed in 1960 by a Japanese expedition and remains a major objective for high-altitude mountaineers.
Sport
IPL double-header delivers drama: GT seal dominant win, KKR win Super Over
The Indian Premier League (IPL) served up a thrilling Sunday double-header, with Gujarat Titans producing a dominant victory over Chennai Super Kings before Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants in a dramatic Super Over finish.
In the opening match of the day, Gujarat Titans produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
After winning the toss, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill elected to field first, and the decision paid immediate dividends as the Titans bowlers kept the hosts under pressure throughout the innings.
Chennai found stability through skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74 off 60 balls. Late hitting from Jamie Overton, who struck 18 from just six deliveries, helped lift CSK to 158/7 from their 20 overs.
The innings also featured a major milestone for Sanju Samson, who became the fastest Indian batter to reach 5,000 IPL runs.
However, Gujarat pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, claiming 3/25 in a superb spell.
In reply, Gujarat’s openers made an aggressive start, racing to 55 without loss in the Powerplay. Gill scored 33 before being stumped off Noor Ahmad, but Chennai’s brief hope quickly disappeared.
Sai Sudharsan then took complete control with a magnificent 87 off just 46 balls, striking boundaries all around the ground. He shared a decisive 97-run stand with Jos Buttler, who remained unbeaten on 39, as Gujarat reached 162/2 in 16.4 overs.
Player of the Match: Kagiso Rabada for his figures of 3/25.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The evening contest in Lucknow delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the season as Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Lucknow Super Giants in a Super Over.
Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant chose to bowl first and saw paceman Mohsin Khan produce a sensational spell.
The left-armer ripped through Kolkata’s top order, dismissing Tim Seifert, Ajinkya Rahane and Rovman Powell before later removing Cameron Green and Anukul Roy.
His superb figures of 5/23 left KKR struggling at 93/7 in the 15th over.
But Rinku Singh then produced a remarkable rescue act. Calm under pressure before exploding at the death, Rinku smashed four sixes in the final over and finished unbeaten on a stunning 83 from 51 balls, lifting Kolkata to 155/7.
Lucknow’s reply was led by Pant’s 42, with Aiden Markram contributing 31 and Ayush Badoni adding 24. Kolkata’s bowlers kept striking at vital moments, with Vaibhav Arora taking 2/24 and Varun Chakaravarthy claiming 2/33.
The drama peaked on the final ball when Lucknow needed seven runs to win. Mohammed Shami launched a sensational six over long-off to tie the scores at 155/8 and force a Super Over.
Kolkata dominated the tie-breaker.
Sunil Narine bowled a superb Super Over, dismissing Nicholas Pooran with the first ball before Markram also fell. Lucknow managed just one run.
Needing only two to win, Rinku Singh smashed the first delivery of the chase to the boundary to seal a memorable victory.
Player of the Match: Rinku Singh for his unbeaten 83 and outstanding fielding display.
Attention now turns to today’s clash as Delhi Capitals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in another crucial contest in the race for the playoffs.
The match will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.
Sport
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan secure top spots at Kabul wrestling festival
An international traditional wrestling festival hosted by Afghanistan has concluded in Kabul after three days of competition involving athletes from seven countries.
The event brought together 160 athletes from Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey, along with Afghan competitors, competing across multiple weight categories.
The tournament featured three disciplines: Kurash, Rustami wrestling, and Kushtingiri, showcasing a mix of regional traditional combat sports.
In the Kurash category, Uzbekistan secured first place, Tajikistan came second, and Afghanistan finished third.
In Rustami wrestling, Afghanistan achieved first place, followed by Uzbekistan in second and Tajikistan in third.
In Kushtingiri, Tajikistan took first place, Uzbekistan placed second, and Afghanistan finished third.
Officials said the results highlight strong regional competition and growing cooperation among participating countries through traditional sports, as Afghanistan continues efforts to promote cultural and athletic exchange in the region.
Sport
Kohli, Padikkal fire Bengaluru into IPL top two with win over Gujarat
A blistering knock from Virat Kohli and a rapid half-century by Devdutt Padikkal powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the top two of the Indian Premier League standings after a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans on Friday.
Chasing a formidable 206, Bengaluru rode on Kohli’s fluent 81 off 44 balls — an innings that began with a reprieve off the very first delivery — and Padikkal’s explosive 55 to reach 206-5 in 18.5 overs. The duo stitched together a decisive 115-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Gujarat’s bowling attack under sustained pressure.
Earlier, Gujarat posted 205-3, anchored by a superb century from Sai Sudharsan, who struck an even 100 off 58 balls — his third IPL hundred. The left-hander also etched his name in the record books, becoming the fastest player to reach 2,000 IPL runs, surpassing the previous mark held by Chris Gayle.
Kohli capitalized on an early dropped chance by Washington Sundar and went on to hit eight fours and four sixes. Padikkal, the more aggressive of the pair, raced to his half-century in just 20 balls, hammering six sixes and two boundaries. Together, they took on Gujarat’s key bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan.
Despite a brief wobble that saw Bengaluru lose four wickets in quick succession — including Padikkal to a Rashid googly and Kohli to a slower ball from Jason Holder — the hosts regained control. Krunal Pandya and Tim David calmly guided the chase home.
Earlier in the innings, Sudharsan dominated proceedings, sharing a 128-run opening stand with captain Shubman Gill, who contributed 32. Sudharsan’s innings featured 11 fours and five sixes before he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood.
Late fireworks from Holder helped Gujarat cross the 200-run mark after a change in bowling plans saw Pandya deliver the final over.
With the win, Bengaluru climbed to second in the table, marking their fourth home victory, while Gujarat slipped to seventh on net run rate.
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