Cricket; Afghan Premier League on the eve of a great return after six years
Mohammed Taha Ishaqi, who won Afghanistan’s first gold medal at the Asian Youth and Youth Championships, made an important victory for the country and sparked a wave of warmth and welcoming government officials.
The Ishaqi competed in the Talo section in Shanghai performed an elaborate performance in Tai Chi Jian and gained the highest score from international referees. He also won the silver medal in the Tai Chi Qwan and became one of the top athletes in the tournament.
The tournament was held from July 1-8, with athletes from all over Asia, including the top martial artists of China, Iran, Indonesia and Vietnam. The remarkable victory of Ishaqi has not only put Afghanistan on the Asian Wushu map, but also floods of congratulatory messages from all over the country and abroad.
Calling messages from the sports federations, prominent figures and ordinary people of Afghanistan have been flowing. On social media, hashtags appeared around the world to celebrate his victory among Afghan users and Wushu fans – many commended his order, humility and patriotism.
“This is a moment of pride and honor for our country,” said a Wushu federation official. “The sacrifice and perseverance in the face of numerous obstacles show what Afghan youth are able to achieve.”
Meanwhile, one of the youth groups based in Kabul in X wrote: “Mohammad Taha Ishaqi has not only won a medal – but has conquered the heart of a nation. “We see the future of Afghanistan’s sport.”
Ishaqi and other Wushukar athletes, after returning to the country, received warm welcome from senior Olympic general officials, physical education and sports.
The Afghan expedition team included six athletes and two federations. In addition to winning gold and silver from Ishaqi, Ahmad Navid Akbari won the bronze medal in the 5kg weight of Sanda. These three medals made Afghanistan the strongest performance in an continental Wushu event.
Although Ishaqi is currently living and practicing in Iran, he competed for Afghanistan, and his victories for a nation that has been confronted with limited access to international competitions for years.
Athletes, coaches and popular elders call on Afghan officials and benefactors to invest in young talents such as Ishaqi. Many see him as a model for eager athletes in martial arts and beyond.
