The authorities in Afghanistan have banned citizens from playing chess.

The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan

The Islamic movement 'Taliban', which seized power in Afghanistan over the past year, has canceled chess tournaments in the country and disbanded the national chess federation. The reason for this was the religious restrictions established by the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.

According to Khaama Press, the Ministry considers chess 'impermissible' from an Islamic perspective and has begun the process of dismantling the national chess federation. The government has suspended all chess activities and emphasized that they will not be resumed until a decision is made that complies with religious norms.

The Ministry of Sports explained that all tournaments and training have been canceled as they do not meet religious requirements.

Chess had developed in Afghanistan, tournaments were held, and the federation operated under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports. However, under the new policy being implemented by the Taliban regime after coming to power, this sport has been banned along with other cultural and sporting initiatives.

Last year, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue already imposed a ban on women reading the Quran aloud and praying in the presence of other women. The head of the department, Mohammad Khaled Hanafi, announced this ban.