The remarkable performance of Afghanistan’s U-17 futsal team and their championship win at the 2025 Asian Youth Games has garnered widespread international media coverage. Several prominent global outlets have highlighted this achievement, referring to the Afghan players as “unexpected champions.” This success has been recognized as one of the significant sports events of the year in the region.
In an analytical report, The New York Times discussed the social role of futsal in Afghanistan, portraying this team as a symbol of hope in society. The report also mentioned 17-year-old Ali Reza Ahmadi, who, along with several of his teammates, has become an inspirational figure. A large number of these players are from the Hazara community.
Ali Reza Ahmadi, who is based in Kabul, played a crucial role in the victory by scoring the winning goal against Iran in an important match. This win at the Asian Youth Games, held in Bahrain, marks Afghanistan’s first-ever championship in this competition. The result triggered a widespread reaction within the country.
Following this success, thousands of citizens across various Afghan cities gathered to welcome the players. In Herat, large celebrations were held to honor the victory, and the public atmosphere became filled with joy. This reception occurred despite the social restrictions in place within the country.
In recent years, futsal has experienced significant growth in Afghanistan, with an increase in the number of indoor courts and fans of the sport. Alongside cricket, futsal has become one of the most popular sports in the cities. Ali Reza Ahmadi, in addition to his athletic goals, also plans to continue his studies in medicine and is preparing for future competitions.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
