The meeting between the two newly-elected leaders is of huge significance to sport in Afghanistan after Hashimy pledged to retain the organisation's independence and not have its position compromised by Government interference.

Prior to the 33-year-old businessman's takeover of A-NOC, the governing body had been under the auspices of the National Sports Directory.

This led to restrictions on autonomy, a key concern particularly because of the recent rhetoric by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure all governing bodies are fully independent.

According to a statement from the Presidential Office, members of A-NOC emphasised that now was a good time to develop sport in the country, and they praised President Ahmadzai for his love of sport and for his support of the sports movement.

The President, elected on September 22 in a power-sharing agreement with Abdullah Abdullah, who will now serve as chief executive of Afghanistan, praised Afghan taekwondo player Roman Abbasi during the meeting with A-NOC, following the athlete's bronze medal at the Incheon 2014 Asian Games in the 63 kilogram competition.

The President also praised the athletes - individuals and teams - from Afghanistan for representing an under-developed country in tough situations.

Ahmadzai added that the Afghan Government would adopt measures related to all suggestions and provide everything needed by A-NOC.

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