IOC Condemns Kabul Wrestling Attack

(ATR) IOC President Thomas Bach called an attack on a wrestling center in Kabul, Afghanistan that left more than 20 dead a "cowardly attack on young people and on sport".

Afghanistan’s capital was rocked by two bombings at a wrestling club. A suicide bomber targeted a hall in the Maiwand Wrestling Club, according to international media reports. Then as media and security personnel responded to the scene, a second bomb exploded in the area.

More than 20 people were killed according to a statement from the Afghan interior ministry. Terrorist group ISIS appeared to take responsibility for the attack.

"An attack on civilians and media workers of the country is an attack on freedom of speech and a crime against humanity," Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, said in a statement.

Bach said that the IOC is working with United World Wrestling (UWW) to "explore the best ways to offer immediate help and assistance to all those affected".

"I learnt with great sadness and horror today of the brutal attack on a wrestling centre in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that has left more than 20 people dead and dozens wounded," Bach said in his statement.

"The young wrestlers were there as part of a peaceful competition and this is a direct attack on sport itself and its values. Their deaths go straight to our hearts, and these innocent victims and their friends and loved ones are in our thoughts this evening. We mourn together with them, and I would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences, from me personally and from the entire Olympic Movement."

UWW president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad Lalovic released a statement saying "Wrestling competitions are a place for our young athletes to feel safe as they test their skills, form friendships and learn important lessons about teamwork. Wednesday’s attack looks to shake our confidence, but we stand together with all wrestlers around the world in condemning this barbaric act of cowardice."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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