Wrestling is one of the oldest and most popular sports in Afghanistan. It has a long and proud history in the country, and over the years, Afghanistan has produced some of the world’s best wrestlers.
From Olympic medalists to historic champions, Afghanistan has produced some of the most accomplished wrestlers in the world.
We’ll take a look at the five best Afghan wrestlers of all time, showcasing their impressive performances and the accolades they’ve achieved in their careers.
1. Sultan Mohammad Dost
Sultan Mohammad Dost is a former wrestler from Afghanistan who had the opportunity to represent his home country and compete in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
He was an experienced athlete in the welterweight freestyle event, a weight class for wrestlers who weigh between 76 kg and 83 kg. Sultan Mohammad Dost competed against some of the world’s best wrestlers at the Olympics but wasn’t able to make it to the podium.
Despite not being able to win a medal, Sultan Mohammad Dost was proud to have represented his country at the Olympics and to have taken part in such a prestigious event. His participation in the Olympics will forever be remembered in the annals of Afghan sports history.
2. Mohammad Asif Kohkan
Mohammad Asif Kohkan was an athletic wrestler from Afghanistan who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics in the middleweight freestyle wrestling event. He was among the first Afghan athletes to ever compete in the Olympics, and his performance was a sign of hope for his country.
Asif Kohkan was a great example of what individual achievement can do to inspire a nation to greater things. During the 1960 Summer Olympics, he competed in the middleweight freestyle event, showing great strength and skill.
He faced off against some of the world’s top wrestlers, and although he did not medal, his performance was still impressive.
Asif Kohkan was an inspiration to many Afghans, and he showed that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. His legacy lives on in the hearts of many Afghan athletes, and his memory is honored by the Afghanistan Olympic Committee.
His name is remembered as a symbol of hope and determination, and his example of courage and resilience continues to inspire generations of Afghans. Asif Kohkan was a great athlete who made a lasting impact on his home country.
3. Mohammad Aynutdin
Mohammad Aynutdin is a former athlete from Afghanistan, who made history by competing in the 1980 Summer Olympic Games. Aynutdin was a wrestler, and he took part in the Flyweight event, which is a weight class of wrestlers who weigh less than 125 lbs.
Aynutdin was an example of strength and determination, as he was willing to compete in the Olympics despite the difficult circumstances his country was in at the time. Not much is known about Mohammad Aynutdin’s Olympic performance, however, his representation at the 1980 Summer Olympic Games is a testament to his determination and courage.
His participation in the Flyweight event also demonstrates his skill as a wrestler, as he was able to compete and be successful in the competitive world of Olympic wrestling. Despite the difficulty of the situation, Mohammad Aynutdin was able to proudly represent his country at the 1980 Summer Olympic Games.
His participation stands as a symbol of courage and determination, proving that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and never give up.
4. Mohammad Arref
Mohammad Arref was an Afghan wrestler who achieved great success in his career. He was born in the small village of Baghlan, Afghanistan, and grew up with a passion for wrestling. As a young boy, Arref trained with local wrestlers and developed a strong base of skills.
He went on to become one of Afghanistan’s most accomplished wrestlers, competing in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. Arref represented Afghanistan in the 1972 Summer Olympics, competing in the lightweight freestyle division.
He was the first Afghan wrestler ever to compete in the Olympics and made a strong showing despite his lack of experience. He ultimately placed seventh in the competition, which was an impressive accomplishment for an athlete from a small, developing country.
Arref’s success at the Olympics has been an inspiration to many, and his legacy continues to live on in the Afghan wrestling community.
5. Wakil Hussain Allahdad
Wakil Hussain Allahdad was an inspirational figure in Afghanistan. He was an ethnic Hazara, a minority community in Afghanistan. He was a wrestler by profession and was known for his skills in the field.
He was also a community first responder, providing help and assistance to those in need.
His commitment to his people and his strong sense of justice earned him respect and admiration from his fellow citizens. As an entrepreneur, Wakil Hussain Allahdad was involved in numerous projects and initiatives to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan.
He founded several businesses, including a transportation company, a construction company, and an agricultural enterprise. He also set up a charity to provide aid to the poor and needy in Afghanistan.
In addition to his business endeavors, Wakil Hussain Allahdad was a strong advocate for human rights and was committed to ending poverty in Afghanistan.
He was a vocal supporter of women’s rights and was an active member of several organizations devoted to helping the most vulnerable in the country. Wakil Hussain Allahdad was an inspiration to many in Afghanistan and will be remembered for his commitment to his people and his desire to bring about positive change.
His legacy lives on in the people he helped and in the businesses he founded.
6. Mohammad Razigul
Mohammad Razigul is a former Afghanistan wrestler who had the privilege of competing in the 1988 Summer Olympics. Representing his homeland, he competed in the light-flyweight event, which is a division of men’s wrestling for weight categories between 48 and 52 kilograms.
Razigul was among the few Afghan athletes to compete in the 1988 Olympics, which was the first time Afghanistan had sent a team since the Soviet invasion of 1979. He was a symbol of hope for his country as he made his way to the Olympic Games and inspired many in his homeland.
Despite not winning a medal, Razigul’s participation in the Games was a remarkable achievement that gave Afghans a sense of pride and accomplishment.
His courage and determination to represent his country were an inspiration to many, and he will always be remembered for his Olympic debut.
7. Djan-Aka Djan
Djan-Aka Djan is an accomplished athlete who made a name for himself as a wrestler in Afghanistan. He was the national champion of his country and represented Afghanistan in the lightweight events at the 1964, 1968, and 1972 Summer Olympic Games.
Djan-Aka Djan was an exceptionally light athlete, weighing in at only 150 pounds. His commitment to excellence and dedication to his sport allowed him to compete at the highest level of competition, the Olympic Games.
After retiring from wrestling, Djan-Aka Djan has continued to be a role model in his native country, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars.
8. Aka-Jahan Dastagir
Aka-Jahan Dastagir is a retired Afghan wrestler who is best known for his participation in the 1968 Summer Olympic Games. Dastagir competed in the lightweight freestyle event, representing Afghanistan in the competition.
His athletic career began at an early age, and he rose to prominence in the late 1960s as one of the premier wrestlers in the world. Dastagir was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and he first began wrestling at the age of eight.
He quickly developed a passion for the sport, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already competing in local tournaments and becoming a well-known figure in the wrestling world.
In the late 1960s, he was selected to represent Afghanistan in the lightweight freestyle event at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games.
Although Dastagir was ultimately unable to win a medal, his participation at the Games marked an important milestone in the history of Afghan wrestling. After the Olympics, Dastagir continued to compete in local and international tournaments, including winning the Afghan National Championship on several occasions.
He also coached the Afghan wrestling team, training some of the country’s most promising athletes. After retiring from the sport, Dastagir has remained active in the Afghan wrestling community, advocating for the development of the sport at the local and international level.
Today, he is remembered as one of the most successful Afghan wrestlers in history.
9. Ghulam Mohiddin Gunga
Ghulam Mohiddin Gunga is a former Afghanistan wrestler who made a name for himself by competing in the 1960 Summer Olympic Games. He competed in the light-heavyweight freestyle event, which is a difficult and demanding category of wrestling.
Gunga was one of the few Afghan athletes to be chosen to compete in the Olympic Games at the time, which made his accomplishment even more impressive. The 1960 Summer Olympics were held in Rome, Italy, and Gunga was one of the only Afghan competitors in the event.
He was not able to take home any medals, but he was able to stand out and make a name for himself in the world of wrestling. His legacy lives on to this day, and he is remembered as one of the first Afghan athletes to compete in the Olympic Games.
10. Amir Jan Khalunder
Amir Jan Khalunder was an Afghan athlete who was born in Kabul and competed in the 1960 Summer Olympic Games. He competed in the lightweight freestyle event. This event involves wrestling opponents of similar weight and strength.
In order to qualify for the Olympics, Amir had to train extensively and compete in multiple qualifying rounds. During the Olympic Games, Amir faced off against other athletes from around the world.
He showed his strength and skill by competing and achieving a respectable finish in the event. Unfortunately, his final placement is unknown. Amir’s dedication to competing in the Olympics is admirable.
He had to overcome many mental and physical challenges to be able to compete at such a high level. He was one of the few Afghans to compete in the Olympics and by doing so, he represented his country and made his people proud.
Amir’s legacy lives on today and he is remembered as a hero and a symbol of courage and determination.
11. Taj Mohammad Khairi
Taj Mohammad Khairi is a former Afghanistan wrestler who participated in the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in the light-heavyweight event. He is an inspiration to many sports fans in Afghanistan and around the world.
He showed that no matter what challenges he faced, he could reach a high level of success. Khairi grew up in the small village of Kishindeh, Afghanistan, where he developed a love of wrestling.
He trained for many years, honing his skills, and eventually earned a spot on the Afghan national wrestling team. In 1988, he competed in the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, in the light-heavyweight event.
Despite facing some tough competition, Khairi showed that he was a force to be reckoned with and was able to hold his own against the best in the world. Though Khairi did not win a medal, he earned the respect of his peers and fans.
His courage and determination to take on the world stage was an inspiration to people everywhere.
He showed that an Afghan athlete could be just as talented and successful as any other athlete in the world. Khairi’s Olympic experience and his success in the world of wrestling remain an inspiration to all athletes who face adversity and challenge themselves to reach their highest potential.
He is a true example of what can be achieved when you put in the hard work and effort.
12. Mohammad Shir
Mohammad Shir is an Afghan athlete who was an accomplished wrestler. He had a long history of success in the sport, competing in regional and international competitions.
His greatest accomplishment, however, was representing Afghanistan in the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in the lightweight event.
Not only was he the first Afghan wrestler to qualify for the Olympic Games, but he also achieved his country’s first Olympic medal in any sport, finishing in fourth place.
This was a remarkable achievement, as Afghanistan had endured decades of war and political instability prior to Shir’s success.
His success was a source of pride and inspiration to his nation, showing that despite the difficult circumstances, it was possible to achieve greatness.
13. Ghulam Sideer
Ghulam Sideer is a former wrestler from Afghanistan who had the honor of representing his country at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. He competed in the bantamweight event, which is a weight class in wrestling for lighter and smaller athletes.
Sideer was a part of the Afghanistan national wrestling team at the time and was chosen to compete in the Olympics.
He was one of the few athletes chosen to represent his country at the games, and he was well-known in his home country for his skill and determination as a wrestler. Sideer was a dedicated athlete who trained hard for the Olympics.
He gave it his all, and even though he did not win any medals at the Games, he was still proud of his accomplishments. His determination and commitment to the sport of wrestling made him a hero in his home country.
He was an inspiration to many of the younger generations of wrestlers in Afghanistan, and his legacy still lives on today.
14. Mohammad Ebrahim Khedri
Muhammad Ibrahim Khedri, more commonly known as Pahlawan Ibrahim, was a decorated wrestler from Afghanistan. He was an ethnic Hazara and competed in the featherweight events at the 1960, 1964, 1968, and 1972 Summer Olympics.
During this time, Pahlawan Ibrahim was respected as one of the best wrestlers in the world, and he used his platform to stand up for his people and represent Afghanistan on the world stage. He was a household name in his home country, and his legacy lives on today.
Pahlawan Ibrahim was a proud member of the Hazara community, and he was determined to make a difference in the lives of his people. He was a source of inspiration to many, especially young Hazara athletes.
He worked hard to achieve his dreams, and his accomplishments remain a source of pride for the Hazara community.
15. Ghulam Sanay
Ghulam Sanay is a former Afghanistan wrestler with a long and impressive Olympic career. He competed in the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in the Greco-Roman featherweight event. As a wrestler, he was a leader in the Afghan Olympic team and was an athlete to be admired.
Sanay is remembered for his commitment to both his team and his country, and for the tenacity he brought to the wrestling mat. Sanay’s story is one of commitment and hard work.
He initially trained in his hometown of Kabul, Afghanistan, and despite the political and economic turmoil in the country at the time, he was determined to pursue his dreams of competing in the Olympics.
He worked tirelessly to perfect his wrestling techniques, and his dedication paid off when he qualified for the Greco-Roman featherweight event at the 1980 Summer Olympics. Sanay’s Olympic performance was impressive, and he was able to make a statement to the world about the strength and skill of the Afghan people.
He was able to put Afghanistan on the map and prove that the country had a strong sporting culture.
His efforts showcased the potential of Afghanistan’s athletes and earned him the respect of his fellow competitors. Today, Ghulam Sanay remains an inspiration to many in Afghanistan.
He is remembered as a symbol of strength and courage, and his legacy in Afghan sports is still felt. Ghulam Sanay is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
16. Khojawahid Zahedi
Khojawahid Zahedi is a former Afghanistan wrestler who made history by competing in the 1980 Summer Olympics. He represented his country in the welterweight event, which is a weight class for wrestlers who weigh up to 69 kilograms.
Zahedi was one of the few athletes from the Afghanistan team to qualify for the event.
He was the first-ever Afghan wrestler to participate in the Olympics and made history by becoming the only Afghan athlete to compete at the 1980 Summer Games. Prior to competing in the Olympics, Zahedi had a successful career as a wrestler in the Afghan national championships.
He won several medals and was considered one of the top wrestlers in the country.
He had also achieved success in international tournaments, which made him even more of a standout in the sporting world. Unfortunately, Zahedi was unable to bring home a medal from the Olympics as he was eliminated in the first round.
However, he is still remembered for his determination and courage to represent his country on the international stage. His story has inspired many aspiring athletes from Afghanistan and his legacy lives on.
17. Mohammad Halilula
Mohammad Halilula is a former Afghanistan wrestler who had the honor of representing his country at the 1980 Summer Olympic Games. He competed in the bantamweight event, which is an Olympic weight class for wrestlers with a maximum weight of 56 kilograms (123.5 pounds).
Halilula is one of the few wrestlers from Afghanistan who have had the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games. As a wrestler from Afghanistan, Halilula was part of a proud tradition of wrestling in his home country.
Wrestling is one of the most popular sports in Afghanistan and has been a part of the country’s culture for centuries.
The sport has been used as a way for Afghans to test their strength and courage against each other and is seen as a symbol of national pride. Halilula’s participation in the 1980 Olympics was a source of pride for all Afghans.
His performance in the bantamweight event was a testament to his skill and dedication as a wrestler, and his presence at the Olympic Games was an important reminder of the strength and resilience of the Afghan people.
Despite the difficulties they face, Afghans continue to strive for excellence and to make their mark on the world’s stage.
18. Nour Ullah Noor
Nour Ullah Noor is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Afghanistan who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics. He was a bantamweight wrestler, meaning he competed in a weight class of up to 54 kilograms.
Noor was part of the Afghan team that took part in the Olympics, the first time the country had been represented. Noor was born and raised in Afghanistan, and early on in his life he developed a passion for wrestling.
He trained for years, honing his skills and technique, and eventually made it to the international stage. In 1964, Noor was chosen as part of the Afghan team to compete in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
He competed in the bantamweight events, and although he didn’t win any medals, he was proud to have represented his country at the Olympics. Noor eventually retired from wrestling, but he is still remembered as a pioneer for Afghan athletes.
His participation in the 1964 Olympics was an important milestone for Afghanistan, and it opened the door for more athletes to compete in the international arena. Noor is a true Afghan hero, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
19. Faiz Mohammad Khaksar
Faiz Mohammad Khaksar was an Afghanistan wrestler born in Kabul. He is most notable for his Olympic appearances, having competed in the flyweight freestyle event at the 1960 Summer Olympics and the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Khaksar also achieved an impressive result at the 1962 Asian Games, finishing in 4th place. Khaksar was an accomplished wrestler, and he represented his country with pride on the international stage.
His appearances at the Olympics showed his dedication to the sport, and his 4th place finish at the Asian Games was an impressive feat. He was a respected athlete who inspired other Afghan wrestlers to strive for excellence.
Khaksar was an important figure in Afghanistan’s wrestling culture, and his legacy will continue to live on. He was a true champion, and he set a high standard for future generations of Afghan wrestlers.
His Olympic appearances and his 4th place finish at the Asian Games were a testament to his hard work and dedication. He was an inspiration to many, and his legacy in the sport of wrestling will live on for years to come.
20. Nour Aka Sayed
Nour Aka Sayed is a remarkable figure in the history of Afghanistan’s sports. He was a Greco-Roman wrestler who had the honor of representing his country in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
At the time, he competed in the featherweight event, one of the most prestigious in the sport. Sayed was born and raised in Afghanistan, and his illustrious wrestling career began at a young age.
He trained intensely and was soon recognized as one of the top Greco-Roman wrestlers in the country.
He was eventually selected to compete in the 1964 Summer Olympics, which was a major achievement for him. At the Olympics, Sayed put up a commendable performance, but unfortunately, he did not reach the final round.
Nevertheless, his participation in the Olympics is something to be proud of, and it is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. Today, Sayed is retired from Greco-Roman wrestling, but his legacy lives on.
He is remembered as one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers to emerge from Afghanistan, and he is an inspiration to many aspiring young wrestlers in the country.
21. Mohammad Daoud Anwary
Mohammad Daoud Anwary is a retired Afghan wrestler with an impressive competitive history. He was born in Afghanistan and competed in the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in the bantamweight freestyle event.
He was one of the few Afghans competing in the Olympics that year and his accomplishments have been recognized in his home country.
Anwary’s accomplishments in the bantamweight freestyle event are particularly impressive, as he was able to compete against some of the best wrestlers in the world.
He was able to hold his own against world-class athletes and has been recognized for his achievements in the sport. Anwary’s career as a wrestler is an inspiring story, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can pay off.
Anwary’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication and serves as a role model for aspiring wrestlers. His story is an example of what can be achieved when one puts in the effort and determination to reach their goals.
22. Shakar Khan Shakar
Shakar Khan Shakar is a retired Afghanistan wrestler who had a successful career in the Olympic Games. He competed in the welterweight events at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games and the 1972 Summer Olympic Games.
During his time competing, Shakar Khan Shakar achieved great success, representing Afghanistan in the Olympics and making a name for himself as a formidable competitor.
Despite competing against some of the best athletes in the world, he was able to make a name for himself as a talented athlete. He was also known for his dedication and resilience, pushing himself to the limits in order to succeed.
After his retirement, Shakar Khan Shakar has remained involved in the wrestling community, being an advocate for the sport and encouraging others to achieve success. He is an inspirational figure for many aspiring wrestlers, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
23. Wahid Ullah Zaid
Wahid Ullah Zaid is an inspiring figure for the Afghan people. He is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler, a style of wrestling where one wrestler has to use only their upper body to control their opponent.
He was part of the Afghan team at the 1964 Summer Olympics, competing in the lightweight event.
His story is a testament to the resilience of the Afghan people, as despite the formidable challenges of training and competing in a hostile environment, he was able to make it to the Olympics.
Even after his retirement, he has continued to be a positive role model, inspiring younger generations of Afghan wrestlers to pursue their dreams. He serves as an example that, with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
24. Kayum Ayub
Kayum Ayub was an Afghanistan wrestler who had a successful career in the sport. He achieved the highest honor of his career by competing in the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in the welterweight freestyle event.
This event is a combat sport that involves two competitors fighting against each other in a ring or mat and is contested during the Summer Olympics. Ayub was a highly experienced wrestler and had a successful career prior to the Olympics.
He had won several tournaments and was considered to be a formidable opponent on the mat.
He was also a great ambassador for Afghanistan, showing the world that the country could produce athletes of high caliber. When the opportunity to compete in the Olympics arose, Ayub was quick to take it.
He was determined to make his country proud and show the world what Afghanistan wrestlers could achieve.
He ultimately ended up finishing in the top ten in his event and was a highly respected athlete. Kayum Ayub’s performance in the Olympics was a huge success for Afghanistan and its athletes. His success was a source of inspiration for other aspiring athletes in the country.
Ayub’s legacy lives on and he continues to be an inspiration to many people in Afghanistan.
25. Alam Mir
Alam Mir is a former Afghanistan wrestler who achieved success in the world of professional wrestling. He had the honor of competing in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Representing Afghanistan, Mir competed in the bantamweight event and was among the most talented athletes in the competition.
He was one of the few athletes from Afghanistan to compete in the Olympic Games and put his country on the international stage. Mir was an exceptional athlete and had a decorated career.
He was the first Afghan wrestler to be selected to compete in the Olympics and was a source of pride for his country. He was a two-time champion of the Asian Wrestling Championships and won multiple medals in international tournaments.
He also won numerous medals in national tournaments and was highly respected by other athletes. Unfortunately, Mir was not able to bring a medal home from the 1972 Olympics, but he still holds a place in Afghan sports history.
He is remembered as one of Afghanistan’s most successful athletes and continues to be an inspiration to young athletes today.
Conclusion
The best wrestling players in Afghanistan have demonstrated amazing talent and skill in the sport, and have become some of the most famous athletes in the country.
They have achieved international recognition for their success, and have inspired a new generation of Afghan wrestlers to strive for excellence.
By showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, Afghanistan’s best wrestlers have set an example for future generations to follow.
