Thousands of Afghans flooded the streets of Kabul on Saturday to celebrate the national under-17 futsal team’s victory at the 2025 Asian Youth Games.

The celebrations began early in the morning and continued late into the night, with fireworks, cheering crowds, and dancing across the capital.

The team received a hero’s welcome upon arrival at Kabul International Airport, where residents gathered to greet the young champions.

Following the airport ceremony, the players travelled to Ghazi Stadium in central Kabul before heading to Dasht-e-Barchi in the west of the city.

Footage obtained by Afghanistan International showed tens of thousands of people including many women waving flags and chanting in support of the national team in Dasht-e-Barchi.

As night fell, fireworks lit up the Kabul skyline in celebration of the victory.

Afghanistan’s under-17 futsal team defeated Iran in the final match to claim the championship trophy, marking one of the country’s most celebrated sporting achievements in recent years.