Sport
Massive welcome for Afghanistan’s U-17 futsal champions in west Kabul
As the young champions returned home on Sunday, scenes of overwhelming celebration unfolded in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of western Kabul.
Following Afghanistan’s historic victory over Iran in the Asian Youth Games futsal finals, citizens across the country — and Afghans around the world — have hailed the triumph of the national under-17 futsal team as a landmark moment in the nation’s sporting history.
As the young champions returned home on Sunday, scenes of overwhelming celebration unfolded in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of western Kabul.
Videos circulating on social media show thousands of residents flooding the streets, waving national flags, chanting, and cheering passionately as the team made its way through the neighborhood.
The spirited public reception has become a powerful symbol of unity, pride, and love for sport, drawing widespread praise and admiration across media platforms and online communities.
Observers say the team’s victory and the emotional homecoming have offered a rare moment of national joy and togetherness, highlighting the growing promise of Afghanistan’s youth in international sports.
Afghanistan won two bronze medals in wushu at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Mohammad Khalid Hotak and Hamid Ashrafi securing podium finishes.
Hotak won the bronze medal in the 70kg weight category, while Ashrafi claimed bronze in the 65kg category.
Hotak won his opening bout against a Yemeni opponent and defeated an Indonesian fighter in his second bout. He was then defeated by his Chinese opponent in the third round.
Ashrafi also won his first bout against an opponent from Macau, China, before defeating an Indonesian fighter in his second bout. He lost to a Chinese opponent in the third bout.
The 20th Asian Games began on Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, with athletes from 45 Asian countries competing across 43 sports.
Afghanistan is represented by athletes in nine sports at the Games.
Toofan Herat secured a 2–1 victory over Khurasan Faryab in the Afghanistan Champions League on Thursday, earning three points in the sixth season of the competition.
Enayatullah Kohi was named Man of the Match in Thursday’s game.
The result gives Toofan a second win of the campaign after the Herat side opened the season with a 3–1 victory over Istiqlal Kabul.
Toofan subsequently lost 2–0 to Ariana Khost and 3–1 to Sorkh Poshan Khafi before returning to winning ways against Khurasan.
The sixth season of the Afghanistan Champions League features 10 teams and is being played in a two-stage, home-and-away format, with the competition scheduled to run until November 21.
Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) is broadcasting all Afghanistan Champions League matches live and exclusively in Afghanistan. Fans can follow ATN’s social media platforms for schedules, results, updates and highlights.
Ariana Khost defeated Sarsabz Yashlar Faryab 2–1 in the 20th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan on Thursday in Kabul.
Neither side managed to find the net in the first half despite several attempts, with the opening 45 minutes ending goalless.
In the second half, Sarsabz Yashlar defender Feroz Rahmani accidentally headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it in the 74th minute, giving Ariana Khost the lead.
Three minutes later, Waris Shirzai doubled Ariana Khost’s advantage in the 77th minute.
Sarsabz Yashlar pulled one back in the 87th minute when Farid Ahmad Hussainzada scored a spectacular long-range goal, but Ariana Khost held on to secure a 2–1 victory.
Ariana Khost’s Alireza Rahimi was named Player of the Match after an impressive performance.
Ariana Khost will face Sorkh Poshan Khafi on September 28, while Sarsabz Yashlar will take on Arman FC on the same day.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Saudi Grand Mufti tells troops to be ready to sacrifice their lives fighting Houthis
Afghanistan wins two bronze medals in wushu at Asian Games
White House reinstates access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico following judge’s order
Toofan Herat beat Khurasan Faryab 2–1 in Afghanistan Champions League
Tahawol: Discussion on fresh Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan
Saudi energy group signs major Afghanistan deals covering gas exploration and pipeline plans
ATN secures exclusive rights to broadcast T20I series in India across Afghanistan
Trump floats idea of renaming Atlantic or Pacific Ocean
US hits Egyptian bank branches with Iran sanctions as war marks six months
Nepal flood rescue mission enters critical phase as thousands remain missing
Tahawol: Discussion on fresh Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan
Saar: Calls for international support for Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Opening of the 81st UN General Assembly Session
Saar: OIC Assessment of Afghanistan’s humanitarian and development situation discussed
Tahawol: Reactions to Pakistan’s attacks on Afghanistan discussed
-
Sport4 days agoAfghanistan to face Japan and Nepal in Asian Games cricket group stage
-
Latest News5 days agoPakistan says Kohat attackers had roots in Afghanistan
-
Regional4 days agoIran and US trade threats after Houthi attacks escalate regional conflict
-
World3 days agoCNN, MS NOW and Politico sue Trump, challenging White House ban
-
Business5 days agoDogharoun handles 60% of Iran’s exports to Afghanistan
-
World5 days agoWorld leaders return to UN amid wars in Middle East and Ukraine
-
Health4 days agoFour-day polio vaccination campaign begins across Afghanistan
-
Latest News4 days agoKhalilzad condemns Pakistan airstrikes, says current strategy is not working