NOC honours Afghan medal winners of Islamic Solidarity, Asian Youth Games

KABUL (Pajhwok): The National Olympic Committee (NOC) has honoured Afghan athletes, who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) chief spokesman Mawlawi Zabihullah Mujahid told a ceremony in this regard that Afghan sport had made significant progress at the international level in recent years.

He said athletes were a source of pride for the country and deserved support.

“Young people who are trained in sports and remain committed to practice need encouragement, support and cooperation. Our nation is poor and many families face economic hardships, yet despite these difficulties, we have talented young people who shine and bring honour. They deserve support,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering, Head of the Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi said IEA had provided comprehensive support to athletes.

He urged sportsmen to continue their efforts and achieve further successes for Afghanistan.

Director General of the Olympic Committee, Physical Education and Sports Mawlawi Ahmadullah Wasiq said the athletes had worked hard to bring pride to the country.

He said the ceremony was held to honour athletes, who won medals at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.

Wasiq said IEA and sports entities stood firmly behind athletes and that recognising their achievements would further motivate them to secure more honours for the country.

He added the success of Afghan athletes had presented a positive image of Afghanistan internationally.

Fayaz Ahmad, who won a silver medal at the Asian Youth Games hosted by Bahrain, told Pajhwok Afghan News he was pleased to be honoured by NOC.

“This support will further encourage us to perform better in international competitions and achieve more for our country,” he said.

Afghan athletes won six medals at the Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain in October 2025, while at the Islamic Solidarity Games hosted by Saudi Arabia in November 2025 they secured one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Officials said the medal winners were also awarded six vehicles and four motorcycles by the Office of the Prime Minister.

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