Sofia Sarwari, an Afghan athlete in the martial arts discipline of “grappling,” has won a gold medal and claimed the championship title at the World Jiu-Jitsu League competition held in Frankfurt, Germany.
In a statement, Ms. Sarwari mentioned that she won the gold medal in the “nogi” (without a special uniform) category with four victories and no losses.
She further emphasized that she secured first place in the “absolute” category among eight athletes from the United States, Egypt, and Germany, also earning the championship belt.
It is worth noting that grappling is a branch of martial arts where combat occurs without striking, focusing on techniques such as takedowns, locks, and controlling the opponent.
This discipline has seen significant international growth in recent years and is considered part of jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts competitions.
Sofia Sarwari is among the Afghan female athletes who continue to engage in sports outside the country.
While Sofia Sarwari achieves this championship title, women and girls in Afghanistan are deprived of sports activities. Following the current government’s return to power, extensive restrictions have been imposed on women’s participation in public spheres, including sports.
According to reports from international organizations, women in Afghanistan are not allowed to attend clubs, participate in sports competitions, or engage in formal training. These restrictions have led many female athletes to cease their activities or leave the country to continue their pursuits.
