Mixed martial arts fighters from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan attended a two-day Muay Thai contest in Nimroz, the first sports event in the province following major political changes in the country since August.

Officials from the Muay Thai federation said that 27 Afghan, 25 Pakistani and two Iranian athletes participated in the competitions.

Afghan athletes won 25 medals out of 27 in the event, officials said.

“Pakistani athletes won two medals and the remaining medals were achieved by Afghans,” said Matiullah Nouri, head of the National Muay Thai Federation.

Pakistani athletes won two medals in the contest, officials said.

“My opponent was from Pakistan and I knocked him out. I am so excited,” said Abdul Rahim Rasouli, an Afghan Muay Thai fighter.

“The level of the competitions was very high. Such competitions have never been held in Nimroz province,” said Mohammad Naim, an Afghan Muay Thai fighter.

Pakistani athletes who participated in the competitions said they will host their Afghan competitors in the near future.

“Afghan athletes are so brave and strong, it’s difficult to defeat them,” said Ihsanullah, a Pakistani Muay Thai fighter.

“We saw our Afghan opponents. They do not accept any defeat,” said Wahid Mirza, a Muay Thai fighter from Pakistan.

The event was welcomed warmly by Nimroz residents who said they were pleased by the victory of Afghan athletes.

The Muay Thai federation said that similar competitions will be held in Nimroz with the participation of athletes from other countries in the near future.