Khyber Sultani Officiated International Boxing Festival
The Afghan referee traveled to Xinjiang, China, to oversee bouts at the 9th International Boxing Festival.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Boxing
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International boxing referee Khyber Sultani has joined the officiating team for the 9th International Boxing Festival in Xinjiang, China. He is working alongside an Afghan delegation that includes seven athletes and two coaches participating in the event.
Why it matters
The presence of Afghan representatives at the festival highlights ongoing cross-border cooperation in sports, facilitated by international boxing and Olympic authorities.
The Afghan delegation consists of seven athletes, two coaches, and one official, all competing in the 9th edition of the International Boxing Festival.
The players
Khyber Sultani
Khyber Sultani is an international boxing referee tasked with officiating matches at the tournament.
International Boxing Federation
The International Boxing Federation is the governing body that coordinated the assignment of officials for this event.
The details
Khyber Sultani was sent to China by the International Boxing Federation following coordination with Afghan sports authorities. The Afghan national team prepared for the tournament by completing a two-day training camp prior to the competition's start.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The tournament began.
September 30, 2026: The tournament ends.
Season Trajectory
The 9th International Boxing Festival serves as a critical developmental milestone for the Afghan national boxing team as they integrate into larger, multi-national tournament structures. This exposure directly impacts the international standing and future seeding potential for participating athletes.
The participation of seven Afghan athletes provides a clear indicator of the team's current depth and readiness for higher-level international competition. This exposure allows for real-time tracking of team performance metrics that will inform future roster decisions.
The takeaway
This event showcases how international officiating and athlete participation bridges gaps in competitive opportunities. Athletes and fans can monitor how these tournament experiences translate into long-term professional development for the emerging boxing talent involved.
Further reading
For more news on the sport, check the Boxing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ariana News.
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