Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the former wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, has arrived in Kabul to open a sports stadium, according to a Taliban government official. Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of the government’s sports directorate, announced her arrival on Friday, stating that Camacho-Ali aims to establish a stadium named “Pirozi,” which means “victory” in Dari, and launch a sports association in honor of Muhammad Ali.
Camacho-Ali, who was married to Ali from 1967 to 1976, converted to Islam after their marriage. Her visit comes at a time when women’s participation in sports is heavily restricted in Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, women are banned from engaging in sports, and since regaining power in 2021, the regime has enforced strict laws that the United Nations describes as “gender apartheid.”
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Historically, sports stadiums in Afghanistan have been used for public executions, a practice that has returned under the current regime, with reports of at least two executions occurring in such venues since the Taliban took control. Furthermore, the authorities have placed restrictions on certain combat sports, labeling them as un-Islamic, which is particularly ironic given Muhammad Ali’s significant contributions to the world of boxing and sports.
Muhammad Ali himself visited Kabul in 2002, shortly after U.S. forces ousted the Taliban, where he toured a girls’ school as a United Nations peace ambassador, showcasing his commitment to promoting peace and education.
