Muhammad Ali’s Ex-Wife Visits Afghanistan to Help Build Sports Stadium with Taliban Support

Khalilah Camacho-Ali, the ex-wife of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, to initiate the construction of a sports stadium and a sports association named after her former husband.

This information was confirmed by Ahmadullah Wasiq, the head of the Taliban government’s sports directorate, on October 25, 2024.

The stadium will be named “Pirozi,” which means “victory” in Dari. This initiative comes at a time when women in Afghanistan face severe restrictions under Taliban rule, including being barred from participating in sports.

The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law has led to what many organizations describe as “gender apartheid,” severely limiting women’s rights and freedoms.

Khalilah Camacho-Ali, born Belinda Boyd in 1950, is not only an actress and author but also a martial artist. She was married to Muhammad Ali from 1967 until their divorce in 1976. Her visit is notable given the historical context; Muhammad Ali himself visited Afghanistan in 2002 as a UN peace ambassador, advocating for education and women’s rights.

The situation for women in sports has deteriorated since the Taliban regained power in 2021, with reports of public executions and corporal punishment associated with sports venues during both their past and current regimes.