Asia Rugby announced on the 8th of July that Afghanistan Rugby Federation was granted full membership of Asia Rugby. A historic milestone for the Union that has overcome many obstacles. In the last two years, the Union has been working on all aspects of growing the game.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai congratulated Mr Haris Rahmani, the President of Afghanistan Rugby Federation “let me express my honest and sincere congratulations to you personally, ARF family and the nation of Afghanistan for this recent achievement. It’s an achievement that came after many years and upon intensive and extensive efforts from you, your Board, players, referees, fans and the whole people who belong to Afghanistan Rugby”.
Mr Haris Rahmani, the President of Afghanistan Rugby Federation said, “After a decade of activities and hard work we have achieved Asia Rugby Full Membership status. It is a great achievement for me and for the team”
“I want to thank the President of Asia Rugby Mr Qais Al-Dhalai who is also a good friend who has supported us a lot. And I also have to thank Afghanistan National Olympic Committee and General Directorate of Physical Education & Sports of Afghanistan, “Dr Wali Rahimi”
Afghanistan’s journey goes back to 2011 and when the National side played their first match against New Zealand Special Air Services troops in Kabul’s free zone.
The Afghan team’s first international match was played as an exhibition Rugby Sevens match against the United Arab Emirates Sheen team on 27 April 2012 .
The Afghanistan u19 XV’s team took part in the Asia Rugby u19 D2 tournament held in Lahore in 2013
Recently the Men’s 7s team has taken part in the Asian Games and last year in Olympic Qualification tournament in Incheon, Korea where they reached the Quarter Finals.
In the last two years, Afghanistan Rugby Federation has put its efforts in upscaling its workforce and importance was given to T&E and World Rugby coaching and Match officiating courses were held in Afghanistan using World Rugby Accredited Educators the courses were well attended by both Male and Female participants.
The Get Into Rugby program was re-launched has helped to start the Women Rugby program and the first-ever Women’s Championship was held in Kabul in Presence of NOC President Mr Hafizullah Wali Rahimi, Kabul Education Head Mr Ahmad Zamir Gowara, and was Extensively covered National and International Media
With the recent progress the Afghan Federation has made, it is clear that with their passion and dedication by its leadership, staff, volunteers and the player’s Rugby has a bright future in Afghanistan.
