Afghan Muay Thai, Taekwondo athletes return with medals

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan Muay Thai and Taekwondo athletes returned home after winning gold and a silver medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, receiving a warm welcome from the National Olympic Committee and the public.

At a ceremony held in their honor on Sunday, Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of the National Olympic, Physical Training and Sports Department, praised the athletes for their achievements. “It is a matter of great pride that Afghanistan’s Muay Thai and Taekwondo champions secured medals in one of the major sports events of Islamic countries,” he said.

Mohammad Yousuf Jahangir won the gold medal in Muay Thai, while Mohsen Rezaei claimed the silver in Taekwondo.

Wasiq assured the athletes that the Afghan sports administration stands behind them and will continue to support their efforts.

Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said the athletes’ success is a source of national pride.

Jahangir expressed his happiness at winning the gold. “I trained for about two and a half months for these competitions and worked hard to bring happiness to the people of Afghanistan,” he said.

Rezaei also praised the high level of competition and expressed gratitude for his achievement.

The sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games was hosted by Saudi Arabia, with athletes from various sports representing Afghanistan.

hz/sa