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Afghanistan Bans Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for Violating Islamic LawAfghanistan's Taliban government has prohibited mixed martial arts (MMA) within the country, citing its incompatibility with Islamic principles. The decision was made following an investigation by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which concluded that MMA contravenes Islamic law (sharia).According to a statement released by the Taliban's sports authority, "It was found that the sport is problematic with respect to sharia and it has many aspects which are contradictory to the teachings of Islam." The authority emphasized that the ban was necessary to uphold Islamic values.An official from the sports authority further explained that MMA was deemed too violent and posed a risk of injury or death. This aligns with the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has led to the implementation of various regulations on behavior and dress.The ban on MMA has sparked concern among Afghan athletes, as martial arts are popular sports in the country. Four Afghan athletes who competed at the Paris Games were martial arts practitioners. However, MMA has not been recognized as an Olympic sport due to safety concerns.The Taliban's decision to ban MMA highlights the challenges faced by athletes in Afghanistan under the current regime. The government's strict adherence to Islamic law has restricted participation in certain sports and activities, particularly for women.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony witnessed a poignant display of resistance and defiance as athletes from Palestine and Afghanistan took to the Parade of Nations. Waseem Abu Sal, a 20-year-old boxer from Palestine, wore a shirt emblazoned with a chilling image of bombs falling on a child playing football. This powerful statement highlighted the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces have killed at least 350 athletes since last October.The Palestine Olympic Committee has appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA to ban Israel for its actions in Gaza. However, the IOC's stance on sanctions against Russia for its aggression in Ukraine appears to be inconsistent.Afghanistan's female athletes also defied the Taliban's oppressive regime by participating in the Olympics. Road cyclists Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi have faced threats and violence for daring to ride bicycles. They fled the country after the Taliban takeover and are now rebuilding their lives in Italy.The Olympics have a long history of serving as a platform for protest. In 1906, Irishman Peter O'Connor raised the Irish flag on the podium, refusing to be identified as British. In 1968, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a powerful act of defiance against racial segregation.While the IOC has softened its stance on protest, demonstrations during matches or medal ceremonies are still prohibited. However, the Games venue itself has seen protests from French civil liberties groups and environmental organizations.The Palestinian athletes in Paris are determined to make a statement. They flashed peace signs and wore keffiyehs, symbols of their national identity. Waseem, who trained for the Olympics during the war, will return to his conflict-ridden country after the Games.The opening ceremony also featured a rendition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Imagine," a poignant reminder of the need for peace. As the performance concluded, the words "We stand and call for peace" appeared on the screen.