According to Iraf, the Afghanistan national taekwondo team today (Saturday, 16 May) departed for Mongolia to participate in the Asian qualifying competitions for the 2026 Asian Games.
This team, with national athletes in six different weight categories and guided by two coaches, has headed to Ulaanbaatar.
Mohammad Bashir Tareki, head coach of the national team, announced that Mohsen Rezaei, the experienced team captain, is unable to accompany the national athletes due to sinus surgery, and his absence in the lineup will be “noticeable.”
However, he emphasized that the other team members have departed for these competitions in full readiness, and the main goal is to secure Afghanistan’s qualification for the Nagoya Asian Games.
Tareki said that after months of intensive training, the national athletes are in optimal technical and physical condition, and the coaching staff hopes to record a successful performance against Asian competitors.
The national team members also stated prior to departure that they will enter the competitions with high motivation and will strive to achieve the best possible result for Afghanistan.
The taekwondo qualifying competitions for the 2026 Asian Games will be held from May 21 to May 25 with the participation of athletes from various Asian countries in Mongolia.
