Sport
Snooker fever grows as Kabul prepares for Ariana Championship
To kick-start the event, officials from Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) are gearing up to sign the official production and broadcast agreement with the Afghanistan Billiards and Snooker Federation.
Anticipation is steadily building across Afghanistan as the Ariana Snooker Championship prepares to return to Kabul next month, with growing audience interest turning the tournament into one of the country’s most eagerly awaited sporting events.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, which drew strong nationwide viewership, this year’s championship is already generating buzz among fans, players, and organizers alike.
Many viewers are expected to once again tune in from homes across the country, reflecting the rising popularity of snooker as a form of accessible and engaging entertainment.
Growing audience at home
Snooker has carved out a unique space in Afghan households, where televised matches look set to become a regular fixture for families and young fans. With limited access to large-scale live sporting events, the ability to watch high-level competition from home has helped fuel the sport’s appeal.
Broadcasters say last year’s tournament exceeded expectations in terms of audience engagement, with viewers following matches daily and discussing key moments across social circles and online platforms.
That momentum appears to be continuing, with early signs suggesting even higher viewership for the upcoming edition.
Building on growing appeal
Last year’s Ariana Snooker Championship marked a turning point for the sport in Afghanistan, showcasing local talent on a national stage and introducing a professionally produced tournament format.
The competition not only highlighted skilled players but also demonstrated the potential for snooker to attract a dedicated following, paving the way for its expansion as a mainstream sport.
Organizers are now aiming to build on that success by delivering a more competitive and widely watched tournament this year.
The growing excitement surrounding the championship reflects a broader trend: snooker is rapidly gaining ground in Afghanistan, particularly among younger players and audiences.
For many fans, the Ariana Snooker Championship represents more than just a tournament — it is an opportunity to connect with a sport that is increasingly becoming part of everyday life.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the championship continues, expectations are rising for another high-quality competition that captures the attention of viewers nationwide.
To kick-start the event, officials from Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) are gearing up to sign the official production and broadcast agreement with the Afghanistan Billiards and Snooker Federation.
The official signing ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm in Kabul and will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), as well as on Ariana Sport’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.
The second edition of the competition will run from May 11 to May 22, 2026, over a 10-day period across two weeks. Matches will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television daily from 13:00 to 18:00.
Around 60 male players from across the country—including teenagers, young adults and experienced competitors—are expected to take part.
Sport
IPL 2026: Sunrisers dominate Delhi Capital with record-breaking batsmen show
Sunrisers Hyderabad produced a clinical all-round performance on Tuesday night to defeat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in a high-scoring Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Batting first, Sunrisers posted a formidable 242 for 2 in 20 overs, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from opener Abhishek Sharma, who struck 135 not out off 68 balls in a blistering display of timing and power.
He was well supported by the top order, with Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen maintaining relentless pressure on the Delhi attack through aggressive stroke play.
In response, Delhi Capitals showed brief resistance but were unable to sustain momentum against a disciplined Sunrisers bowling unit. Despite contributions from the middle order, DC finished on 195 for 9, falling short by 47 runs.
The Sunrisers’ bowlers consistently struck at key moments, preventing any meaningful partnership from developing.
Player of the Match was Abhishek Sharma (SRH) with his 135 not out off 68 balls.
Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s fixture, where Lucknow Super Giants take on Rajasthan Royals in a crucial mid-table clash that could have significant implications for the playoff race.
LSG will rely on their strong batting unit and home conditions to gain an advantage, while Rajasthan Royals will look to their balanced attack and spin options to control proceedings.
The match will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television, ensuring fans nationwide can follow all the action as IPL 2026 continues to build towards a decisive phase of the tournament.
Sport
ATN secures five-year broadcast deal for Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League
Organisers say the five-year agreement is designed to ensure continuity and growth for the league, helping to build a structured competition system and long-term opportunities for athletes.
Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has secured exclusive broadcast rights for the Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League under a five-year agreement, reinforcing its role in promoting sport and national unity.
The deal was signed in Kabul between the Afghanistan National Wrestling Federation and ATN, marking a significant step in developing professional platforms for traditional sports in the country.
The inaugural season will run from June 1 to June 10, 2026, featuring around 350 wrestlers competing across 10 weight categories. Matches will take place nightly at a 2,500-seat indoor arena in Kabul and will be broadcast live on Ariana Television from 18:00 to 21:00 local time.
Organisers say the five-year agreement is designed to ensure continuity and growth for the league, helping to build a structured competition system and long-term opportunities for athletes.
ATN has increasingly invested in sports programming as part of its broader commitment to fostering unity and social cohesion. By bringing nationwide coverage to events like the Wrestling Premier League, the network aims to connect audiences across the country, celebrate shared traditions, and provide a platform for emerging talent.
Officials say the initiative will boost wrestling’s profile, support athletes, and contribute to the wider development of Afghanistan’s sports sector.
Wrestling fans in Afghanistan are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media platforms for updates and schedules on this exciting event.
Sport
13 climbers successfully ascend Janwar Koh in Balkh
Thirteen members of the “Nawshakh Unity” mountaineering team, in coordination with the National Olympic Committee, the Department of Physical Education, and the Balkh Mountaineering Federation, successfully reached the summit of Janwar Koh, a peak standing approximately 1,800 meters high in Marmol district.
Officials from the Balkh Mountaineering Federation said the expedition aimed to improve athletes’ technical climbing skills, build team spirit, and promote the development of mountaineering as a sport in the province.
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan launches media platform to improve access to information
-
Latest News2 days agoAfghanistan, Belarus hold talks on fuel imports
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan to airlift 30,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 96 flights for Hajj 2026
-
Business4 days agoAfghan commerce minister highlights trade trust and market stability at Antalya Forum
-
Regional4 days agoShips crossing Hormuz need OK from IRGC, unfreezing funds part of deal, Iran official says
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan and Russia discuss expansion of banking cooperation in Moscow meeting
-
World2 days agoUAE seeks US financial backstop amid Iran war fallout, warns of possible shift from dollar
-
Regional5 days agoIran announces reopening of Strait of Hormuz
