CultureAfghan National Bodybuilders to Compete in South Asian Championships at Personal Expense
Afghanistan's 16 national bodybuilders and four delegations will compete in South Asian championships at personal expense, as the Physical Education Administration does not cover the event, according to federation Secretary General Abdul Rahman Hamid. The athletes, from provinces including Kabul, Ghazni and Balkh, will join teams from India, Pakistan and other regional countries.
ReliableAfghan MMA Fighter Wahdatullah Nezhand Set for FNC Debut Against Argentine Staropoli
Afghan MMA fighter Wahdatullah Nezhand, with a 10-2 professional record, will debut in the FNC cage against Argentine Staropoli (13-7) on 19 Thawr 1405. The bout is described by FNC as a clash of power versus experience.
ReliableOver 120,000 Domestic Tourists Visit Ghazni Historical Sites During Eid al-Fitr
Over 120,000 domestic tourists visited Ghazni province's historical and recreational sites during Eid al-Fitr, Mullah Hamidullah Nisar, head of the Information and Culture Department, said, crediting improved nationwide security and unity among people.
ReliableAfghanistan Cricket Board Announces Sixth Mirwais Nika Tournament in Kandahar and Helmand
The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the sixth edition of the Mirwais Nika three-day cricket tournament, featuring five regional teams and running from April 2 to 20 in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. The event includes top domestic players and Afghanistan U19 team members, aimed at bolstering local cricket.
Reliable70,000 Domestic Tourists Visit Parwan Attractions During Eid-ul-Fitr
Around 70,000 domestic tourists visited scenic sites in Parwan province since the start of Eid-ul-Fitr, drawn by pleasant weather, natural beauty and improved security, according to officials. Key attractions included the Gulghundi picnic area and valleys in Ghorband and Salang.
ReliableAfghanistan's Rashid Khan Set for Tenth IPL Season with Gujarat Titans
Afghanistan's star cricketer Rashid Khan will play his tenth IPL season with Gujarat Titans, where he has been retained for 18 crore Indian rupees. Three other Afghan players will also participate in the IPL 2026 season starting March 28.
ReliableAfghanistan's National Buzkashi Team Secures Third Place in Kokpar World Competitions
Afghanistan's national buzkashi team secured third place in the Kokpar World Competitions hosted by Kazakhstan, advancing to the semi-finals with group stage wins over Hungary (14-0), Mongolia (7-0) and Russia (5-0). The event featured nine countries including Turkey, China and Uzbekistan.
ReliableTajikistan President Rahmon Urges Focus on Education in Nowruz Message
Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon called on citizens to celebrate Nowruz while emphasizing education and knowledge as key to national development. He urged families to prioritize children's upbringing and learning for sustainable progress.
ReliableFormer Afghanistan National Footballer Works as Body Preparation Specialist in Netherlands
Milad Entezor, who played 25 times for Afghanistan's national football team before fleeing to the Netherlands, works as a laboratory technician specializing in body preparation at Radboudumc in Nijmegen. He trained in Dutch youth academies but pursued a stable career due to financial constraints and described national team games under intense security.
ReliableChuck Norris, martial arts champion and actor, dies at 86
Chuck Norris, martial arts champion and actor famous for roles in films like "Way of the Dragon" and the TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger," died on March 20 at age 86 in America. His family said he inspired millions through his work and discipline.
ReliableAfghanistan Secures Medals at Islamic Solidarity Games, Wins Asian U-17 Futsal Title
Afghanistan won one gold, one silver and one bronze at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh and claimed its first Asian U-17 futsal championship by beating Iran in Bahrain. The country reached the buzkashi world semi-finals but exited early in cricket and football tournaments.
ReliableUN Secretary-General Guterres Describes Nowruz as Symbol of Renewal and Unity
UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked Nowruz on March 21 as a symbol of renewal and unity, calling for global cooperation amid Middle East tensions. He stressed dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts involving the US, Israel and Iran.
ReliableAfghanistan's national Buzkashi team secures third place at World Kokpar competitions in Kazakhstan
Afghanistan's national Buzkashi team won third place at the World Kokpar competitions in Kazakhstan, beating Russia 6-0 in the ranking match after group stage victories over Hungary, Mongolia and Russia, and a semifinal loss to Uzbekistan.
ReliableIranian Singer Aref Arefkia, Known as 'Sultan of Hearts', Dies at 85
Iranian pop singer Aref Arefkia, known as the 'Sultan of Hearts,' died at age 85 on the eve of Nowruz, as announced by his daughter Nazli on Instagram. His music, including the hit 'Sultan of Hearts' covered by Afghan singer Ahmad Zahir, remains popular among Persian-speakers including in Afghanistan.
ReliableNowruz in Kazakhstan: From Soviet Ban to National Holiday
Nowruz, or Nauryz Mairamy, is Kazakhstan's key spring festival, banned under Soviet rule in 1926 but revived in 1988 and made a national holiday after 1991 independence. Celebrated from March 21-23, it features traditional rituals, foods like Nauryz Kozhe and promotes ethnic unity and renewal.
ReliableNowruz Celebrations Lack Previous Atmosphere in Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule
Nowruz, the ancient solar New Year celebration, is observed quietly in Afghanistan without its previous festive atmosphere after the Taliban canceled its status as a public holiday. The holiday, rooted in ancient Iran and recognized by UNESCO and the UN, marks spring's arrival with regional traditions.
ReliableFirst Day of Eid al-Fitr Celebrated Across Afghan Provinces in Secure Atmosphere
Afghanistan marked the first day of Eid al-Fitr across its provinces with large public attendance amid assured security and messages promoting unity and Islamic values. Officials including Hafiz Ans Haqqani and the Amir al-Mu'minin urged adherence to leadership policies and rejection of ethnic divisions.
ReliableAfghanistan Buzkashi Team Advances to Semifinals of 2026 Kokpar Competitions Against Uzbekistan
Afghanistan's Buzkashi team advanced undefeated to the semifinals of the 2026 Kokpar Competitions, topping Group 2 with nine points and 26 goals, and will face Uzbekistan on Friday. Kazakhstan leads the other semifinal against Russia after winning Group 1.
ReliableDeputy Culture Minister Emphasizes Preservation of Shahr Ara Tower
Molvi Atiqullah Azizi, deputy for culture and art at Afghanistan's Ministry of Information and Culture, visited Shahr Ara Tower and emphasized the urgent need for its preservation and reconstruction to safeguard cultural heritage. The ministry plans to start work soon in coordination with partners, alongside projects for Doost Mohammad Khan High School and Sultan Tala'i Mausoleum.
ReliableAfghanistan's Buzkashi Team Defeats Russia 5-0 at International Tournament in Kazakhstan
Afghanistan's national buzkashi team won 5-0 against Russia in its second group match at the international kokpar tournament in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, after defeating Hungary. The team faces Mongolia next in the event featuring nine countries.