The Yahyakhail district of Paktika province was left in disarray yesterday when a suicide bomber struck at an inter-district tournament between three teams in the area.

According to officials in the province, the attacker walked into a large crowd of spectators and detonated his explosive vest while the match was still going on.

The number of people reportedly killed in the attack ranges from 45 to 57 people.

More than 60 people were also injured in the attack.

"This was cowardly attack and I speak for the whole Olympic Movement in condemning this barbaric act which targeted innocent spectators at a sports tournament," Bach said in a statement.

"It is an attack on sport itself and on the positive values it can bring to help build strong communities and foster peace and reconciliation around the world.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and we wish those injured a speedy recovery."

Between 45 and 57 people are estimated to have been killed in the attack, with many of these young children Getty Images



Paktika is one of Afghanistan's most remote regions and seriously lacks the critical infrastructure of surrounding districts due to repeat attacks on aid workers and NATO forces in the area.

Bordering Pakistan, it is also one of Afghanistan's most volatile regions, a place where Taliban and affiliated insurgent groups like the Haqqani network are waging an intensifying war against the Government in Kabul.

No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack which killed mostly young children.

Afghani President Ashraf Ghani called it a "heinous attack".

The International Volleyball Federation has also condemned the attack

"Our immediate thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident," the International Volleyball Federation said.

"It is not appropriate for the FIVB to comment further until the relevant authorities have fully investigated the causes and details behind the bombing.

"We will be monitoring the situation very carefully and are in touch with the national federation for regular updates."

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