According to reports, the decision was taken due to "religious considerations" and restrictions announced by the Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Chess-related activities have been placed on hold indefinitely.

Officials from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports confirmed the suspension of chess activities on 11 May, stating that the sport would remain banned until suitable responses are found regarding religious concerns.

Afghanistan chess federation dissolved

Reports state that no activities related to chess will be allowed to resume without addressing these issues. The Taliban's Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has also dissolved the Afghanistan Chess Federation, terming the game "haram" (forbidden) according to their interpretation of Islamic law, Khaama Press reported.

The decision follows a pattern of increasing restrictions imposed by the Taliban on cultural, social, and sporting events in Afghanistan since they seized power.

Players' requests denied

Before the Taliban's announcement regarding the ban, several chess players and enthusiasts had reportedly requested permission and financial support from the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports to continue their activities. However, the Taliban proceeded with the ban, further complicating efforts to continue playing the game.

Chess, once considered an intellectual sport in Afghanistan, had seen a resurgence in recent years, with the national federation operating under the Taliban-led Ministry of Sports, Khaama Press reported.

The Taliban's recent stance, citing Islamic legal interpretations, reflects their broader strategy of restricting cultural and recreational activities in the country.

Wider restrictions on freedoms

The ban on chess further demonstrates the Taliban's increasing restrictions on freedoms in Afghanistan. The Taliban has also imposed several restrictions on women. It remains to be seen how long these policies will last, or whether the international community will be able to pressurise the Taliban to reverse their decisions.

New uniform rules for students

Earlier in February, the Taliban announced that from 22 March, students would be required to wear the new Taliban-issued uniform. The decision was published on 27 February.

According to the notice, students from Classes 1 to 9 must wear a blue shirt, pants, and a white hat. Students from Classes 10 to 12 must wear a white shirt, pants, and a headscarf or turban, Khaama Press reported.

Previously, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada signed a nine-point decree stating that all public and private school uniforms would include a shirt, pants, turban, and white hat. The bill did not include details regarding uniforms for female teachers or students. The colour of the uniform for female students is black.

Ban on girls' education continues

Since seizing power, the Taliban has banned girls from attending school beyond the sixth class and has closed the doors of universities and medical educational centres to them.

ANI inputs