Famous Afghan Sportspersons

Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil is an Afghan cricketer known for his role in the country's rise in international cricket. He has been a key player in Afghanistan's journey to the top level, featuring in their first One Day International, Test match, and T20I. Nabi has captained the national team in various tournaments, including the Asia Cup and Cricket World Cup. He has participated in multiple Twenty20 franchise tournaments and was the first Afghan player selected in the Indian Premier League auction. Nabi holds a record of helping Afghanistan defeat 45 different nations in international cricket.

Mujeeb Zadran is an Afghan cricketer who plays for the national team. Known for his bowling skills, he achieved the record for the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in a One Day International. He was part of Afghanistan's first Test match against India in 2018. Mujeeb made his first-class cricket debut in the same match. He continues to be a key player for the Afghanistan national cricket team, showcasing his talent and contributing to the team's performance.

Rashid Khan Arman is an accomplished Afghan cricketer known for his exceptional skills in both bowling and batting. He has represented various teams in franchise leagues worldwide and has achieved numerous milestones in international cricket. Notably, he holds records for being the youngest player to captain a Test match side and the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in both ODIs and T20Is. Rashid's leadership and outstanding performances have earned him accolades, including being named the ICC Men's T20I Player of the Decade.

Nadia Nadim is a professional footballer known for her prolific career as a striker for Serie A club AC Milan and the Denmark national team. She has achieved great success by winning league titles in both the USA and France, showcasing her talent and skill on an international stage. Nadim's impact on the sport is widely recognized, with many considering her the most influential Afghan female footballer of all time. Her accomplishments include winning the NWSL Championship and the French league title with renowned clubs like Portland Thorns and Paris Saint-Germain.

Asghar Stanikzai is an Afghan former cricketer who had a successful career as a right-handed batsman and a medium-fast bowler. He captained the Afghanistan national cricket team, leading them in various formats including Tests, T20Is, and ODIs. Despite being dropped and reappointed as captain multiple times by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Stanikzai remained a prominent figure in Afghan cricket. He reached significant milestones during his career, such as playing in his 50th T20I and eventually announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in October 2021.

Naveen-ul-Haq Murid is an Afghan cricketer known for his international debut in September 2016. He has since established himself as a key player for the Afghanistan national cricket team, showcasing his skills as a talented bowler. Naveen-ul-Haq has demonstrated consistency and effectiveness in his performances, earning recognition for his contributions to the team. His dedication and passion for the sport have made him a valuable asset in Afghanistan's cricketing pursuits, with a promising career trajectory ahead.

Rohullah Nikpai is a highly accomplished taekwondo practitioner from Afghanistan. He is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and has made significant contributions to the sport. In 2023, he transitioned into coaching and took on the role of coaching New Zealand's national taekwondo team. His expertise and experience as an athlete have allowed him to inspire and guide a new generation of taekwondo practitioners. Nikpai's dedication to the sport and his commitment to nurturing talent have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the taekwondo community.

Zubayr Amiri is an Afghan professional footballer known for his versatility on the field. He primarily operates as a midfielder but is also capable of playing in a more attacking role. Amiri has showcased his proficiency with both feet, making him a valuable asset to his teams. Throughout his career, he has played for clubs such as SC 1960 Hanau, Viktoria Aschaffenburg, and Eintracht Frankfurt II. Additionally, he has represented the Afghanistan national team, demonstrating his skill and dedication at both the club and international levels.

Mohammad Shahzad Mohammadi is a former Afghan cricketer known for his role as a right-handed opening batsman and wicketkeeper. He made his international debut for Afghanistan in 2009 against the Netherlands and was part of the team in their first Test match against India in 2018. Shahzad holds a rare record of scoring an ODI century in a low team score, achieving this feat during a match against India in the Asia Cup 2018. His performance equaled the previous record set by Pakistan's Shahid Afridi.

Hamid Rahimi, a professional boxer from Afghanistan and ethnic Hazara, resides in Germany and holds dual German citizenship. In February 2012, he achieved victory over his Belarusian opponent in Hamburg, securing the New World Boxing Union (WBU) Championship title. Rahimi traveled to Kabul in March 2011 to meet with the Afghan National Olympic Committee. Known for his skill and determination in the boxing ring, Rahimi's career highlights include his championship win and his international presence in the sport.

Kaisy Khademi, known for his resilience and skill in the boxing ring, is a British professional boxer of Afghan descent. In 2021, he contended for the British super-flyweight title, showcasing his determination and prowess. Notably, he engaged in a challenging match against South-African boxer Jackson Chauke for the International Boxing Organization World flyweight championship title in January 2024. While he did not secure victory, Khademi's performance was commendable, highlighting his talent and promising future in the world of boxing.

Shabnam Mobarez is a prominent Afghan football player known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the field. She has been a key player in the Afghanistan women's national football team and has shown great dedication to the sport. As of 2016[update], she holds the esteemed position of team captain, demonstrating her strong leadership qualities and ability to motivate her teammates. Mobarez's professional career is marked by her passion for the game, commitment to excellence, and instrumental role in promoting women's football in Afghanistan.

Sadaf Rahimi is a pioneering Afghan female boxer who made history as the first female boxer on Afghanistan's national boxing team and the first Afghan female boxer invited to the 2012 London Olympics. Despite facing challenges and threats due to her gender and sport, she continued to pursue her passion for boxing. Rahimi's journey was documented in the film "The Boxing Girls of Kabul." Currently residing in Spain, she works as a cleaner at Madrid City Hall, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Nesar Ahmad Bahawi is an accomplished Afghan Taekwondo practitioner with a successful career in international competitions. He has won medals in various prestigious events such as the World Taekwondo Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Martial Arts Games. Nesar has represented Afghanistan in multiple Olympic Games, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Despite facing challenges like injuries, he has shown resilience and determination, continuing to compete at a high level and making significant contributions to the sport of Taekwondo.

Shamila Kohestani is a prominent Afghan footballer and former captain of the Afghanistan women's national football team. She gained recognition for her exceptional performance in various football tournaments, including scoring six goals in the team's inaugural tournament. Kohestani has been a strong advocate for gender equality and empowerment through sports, delivering impactful speeches at various events and platforms. She has also received prestigious awards such as the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the Giant Steps Award for breaking barriers and inspiring women globally. Shamila's professional endeavors have focused on utilizing soccer and sports as tools for positive social change and empowerment.

Wakil Hussain Allahdad, an ethnic Hazara from Afghanistan, was a renowned wrestler, community first responder, and entrepreneur. He dedicated his professional life to excelling in the sport of wrestling, representing his community with pride. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Allahdad also served as a first responder, providing aid and support to those in need. As an entrepreneur, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and a commitment to success, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Shapoor Zadran is a prominent Afghan cricketer known for his role as a left-arm fast-medium bowler in the national cricket team. With a successful professional career, he has showcased his skills in various international matches and tournaments. Zadran is recognized for his accuracy and pace, often contributing crucial breakthroughs for his team. His dedication and talent have earned him a reputation as a key player in Afghan cricket, inspiring fans and aspiring cricketers alike with his exceptional performances on the field.

Marjan Haydaree is a skilled soccer player who has showcased her talents both at the collegiate level and internationally. She has played as a forward for the American club San Jose State Spartans, making significant contributions to the team. Representing the Afghanistan national team, she has achieved the title of their all-time leading goal scorer, showcasing her prowess on the field. With experience playing for Diablo Valley College and the San Jose State Spartans, Haydaree has demonstrated her dedication and skill in the sport of soccer.

Najibullah Zadran is a prominent Afghan cricketer known for his role as the vice captain of the Afghanistan Twenty20 International (T20I) team. A skilled left-handed batsman with the ability to bowl right-arm off breaks, Zadran made his international debut in July 2012. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent and versatility on the field, contributing significantly to Afghanistan's cricketing success. Zadran's performance and leadership have made him a respected figure in the world of cricket, garnering admiration from fans and peers alike.

Arash Usmanee is an accomplished Afghan-Canadian professional boxer who has achieved notable rankings in the boxing world, reaching as high as 3rd by the WBA and 10th by the IBF. He gained recognition as a featured fighter on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, where he faced Rances Barthelemy in a highly anticipated bout between two undefeated fighters. Usmanee's career has been marked by his skill, determination, and ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport, earning respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Robina Muqimyar, also known as Robina Jalali, is a former Olympic athlete who represented Afghanistan at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and in 30 international events, competing in the 100-meter sprint. She gained international attention for being one of the first two women to represent Afghanistan at the Olympic Games. In addition to her athletic career, she ran for a seat in Afghanistan's parliament, the Wolesi Jirga. Jalali's professional life reflects her dedication to breaking barriers and advocating for women's rights in sports and society.

Dawlat Zadran is an Afghan cricketer known for his right-arm fast bowling skills. He started his cricket career in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he played alongside other notable Afghan cricketers. Zadran made his List A debut for Afghanistan and later went on to represent the team in first-class and One Day International matches. He has been a consistent performer, taking wickets in various series and tournaments. Zadran was selected to represent Afghanistan in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Friba Rezayee is a trailblazing Hazara judoka from Afghanistan, known for being one of the first two women athletes from her country to compete in the Summer Olympics. Her participation in the Athens Games in 2004, following the lifting of Afghanistan's suspension from the Olympics, marked a significant moment for Afghan female athletes. Overcoming the challenges imposed by the Taliban regime, Rezayee's dedication to her sport and her pioneering role have inspired many, shining a light on the resilience and determination of Afghan women in sports.

Hanifa Yousoufi is a pioneering Afghan mountaineer known for her historic achievement of becoming the first Afghan woman to summit Mount Noshaq, the highest peak in Afghanistan. She accomplished this remarkable feat in 2018 as part of an expedition organized by Ascend: Leadership Through Athletics. Yousoufi's dedication to mountaineering showcases her determination, courage, and passion for breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her professional life is characterized by a commitment to pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and promoting gender equality through her extraordinary mountaineering accomplishments.

Masoud Azizi is an Afghan athlete known for his achievements in sprinting. He set a personal best time of 11.11 seconds in the 100m sprint in April 2005 in Mecca. However, his career faced a setback in 2013 when he failed a doping test at the World Championships, leading to a two-year suspension. Despite this, Azizi's career highlights include his impressive sprinting abilities and his participation in international competitions. His professional journey demonstrates a mix of success and challenges in the world of athletics.

Muhammad Ibrahim Khedri, also known as Pahlawan Ibrahim, was a renowned ethnic Hazara wrestler from Afghanistan. He achieved significant recognition for his participation in the featherweight events at the 1960, 1964, 1968, and 1972 Summer Olympics. Throughout his professional career, Khedri showcased exceptional skills and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling community. His dedication to the sport and consistent presence at the highest level of competition solidified his reputation as a respected and accomplished wrestler on the international stage.

Kamia Yousufi is an Afghan female sprinter who has competed at the highest level in track and field. She represented Afghanistan at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics, setting national records in the women's 100 metres event. Yousufi's dedication and hard work have led to significant achievements in her athletic career, including participating in prestigious international competitions. Despite facing challenges and adversity, she continues to showcase her talent and determination on the track, inspiring others with her performances.

Mehboba Ahdyar is an Afghan athlete who was set to compete in the women's 1,500 meters and 3,000 meters events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She had won competitions in Afghanistan and was preparing for her first international competition. Ahdyar faced challenges such as daily taunts, rumors, and death threats from extremists while training. She planned to wear a hijab as a symbol of Muslim women during the competition. However, she disappeared from a training facility in Italy before the Olympics and was later reported to be seeking asylum in Norway.

Hailai Arghandiwal is a professional soccer player known for her skillful play as a midfielder. She has represented the Afghanistan national team, showcasing her talent on the international stage. With a strong presence on the field, Arghandiwal has demonstrated her ability to control the midfield, create scoring opportunities, and contribute to her team's success. Her dedication and passion for the sport have made her a valuable asset to both her national team and any club she represents.

Salim Durani was an Indian cricketer known for his skills as an all-rounder in 29 Test matches from 1960 to 1973. He excelled as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and a left-handed batsman, gaining fame for his ability to hit sixes. Durani was the only Indian Test cricketer born in Afghanistan and was the first cricketer to receive an Arjuna Award. In 2011, he was honored with the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest recognition from the Indian cricket board for a former player.