KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Joy and celebrations spread across Afghanistan on Thursday evening after the nation’s under-17 futsal team made history by winning the 2025 Asian Youth Futsal Championship in Bahrain.
The team clinched its first-ever Asian-level youth futsal gold, defeating Iran 2–1 in a closely contested final to cap an unbeaten run that included a dominant 9–1 semifinal win over Thailand.
Streets in Herat overflowed with cheering residents waving flags, while in Kabul, fireworks and public gatherings marked the achievement.
Social media was filled with congratulatory messages from political leaders, civil society activists, and ordinary citizens.
Former President Hamid Karzai described the victory as a moment of “national pride,” emphasizing that despite the country’s ongoing challenges, Afghan athletes continue to demonstrate skill and determination on the international stage.
Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former national security adviser, said the achievement was “a light amid all the darkness,” praising the players for inspiring hope and unity in difficult times.
Former MP Mahdi Rasikh highlighted the team’s extraordinary efforts, noting they competed without formal support or resources while facing nations fully backed by their governments.
The historic win and nationwide celebrations mark a rare moment of joy and unity for Afghanistan, drawing attention to the determination and talent of its young athletes on the international stage.
Women’s sports in Afghanistan, however, remain severely restricted under the Taliban, which has banned female players from participating in organized competitions. Many former female athletes fled the country after the Taliban’s return to power and now play in exile, mainly in Australia and the United Kingdom.
