Selections for the Golden Jubilee Games in Afghanistan began in the Autumn of 2007. With few indoor athletic facilities in the country, regional and national trials had to be scheduled before the onset of the harsh winter.
The qualification process was inaugurated with an impressive ceremony held at Umomi Jamatkhana in Kabul. Athletes stood at attention as both the Afghan and Ismaili flags were carried into the Jamatkhana courtyard. They then marched in formation in front of the gathered dignitaries and members of the community.
Following the inauguration, a series of athletic contests were scheduled across the country. Regional sports festivals took place in the provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Bamyan and Kabul.

