Khalilah Camacho-Ali, a former wife of Muhammad Ali, visited Afghanistan in 2024 to discuss the construction of a sports stadium and the establishment of a sports association named after Muhammad Ali. This visit occurred under the Taliban government, which took control of Afghanistan in 2021.
Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the former wife of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, recently arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan. A Taliban government representative confirmed her visit, explaining that she plans to help construct a new sports stadium named “Pirozi,” which means “victory” in Dari. The Taliban sports directorate also mentioned that she will be establishing a sports association in Afghanistan bearing Muhammad Ali’s name.
Camacho-Ali, born Belinda Boyd in 1950 in the United States, converted to Islam after marrying Ali in 1967. She was married to the renowned boxer for a decade and has maintained her connection to his legacy. Muhammad Ali himself visited Afghanistan in 2002, where he served as a United Nations peace ambassador and promoted education, including supporting a girls’ school.
A Ray Of Change?
Her trip to Afghanistan comes at a time when the country enforces strict regulations on women’s participation in sports. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, they have implemented a strict interpretation of Islamic law, often restricting women’s public lives, including their ability to participate in sports. The United Nations criticizes these restrictions as “gender apartheid.” During the Taliban’s first rule from 1996 to 2001, authorities frequently conducted public executions in sports stadiums. While public corporal punishment continues under Taliban rule, there has also been a recent clampdown on combat sports, as the government has declared forms like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) un-Islamic.
Camacho-Ali, herself a martial artist, actress, and author, has a deep connection to the world of sports and activism. Ali, who changed his name from Cassius Clay after converting to Islam, left a legacy beyond the boxing ring, becoming a symbol of civil rights and resilience. He passed away in 2016, but his influence continues globally. His former wife’s initiative to build a stadium and association in his name signifies an effort to honor his legacy, albeit in a nation where women’s access to sports remains heavily restricted.
