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.

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.

An international traditional wrestling tournament has officially kicked off in Kabul, bringing together athletes, officials and spectators in a display of sport and regional engagement.

The three-day event has drawn around 100 Afghan competitors alongside 60 athletes from countries including Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Turkey.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Amir Khan Muttaqi said the event reflects Afghanistan’s growing engagement with regional partners, particularly in Central Asia. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and maintaining constructive ties with neighbouring countries.

Muttaqi also voiced concern over rising regional tensions, calling for continued ceasefire efforts and urging that disputes be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

He said Afghanistan has moved beyond many past challenges and is taking steps toward development, highlighting efforts to support young people through education and sport.

The foreign minister welcomed the participation of international athletes, describing their participation as a positive sign of cooperation despite ongoing challenges, and said hosting such events is a source of national pride.

Officials said the tournament has attracted hundreds of spectators, with organizers expressing hope that similar international competitions will continue to be held in Afghanistan, helping to promote unity and broader regional engagement.