Details emerged that Hakimi had been killed in early October, but her family were threatened in order to keep the story hidden.

However, there have been differing claims circulating which state that the former Kabul Municipality Volleyball Club player committed suicide, prior to the Taliban's rise to power on August 15.

"The FIVB is utterly shocked and appalled by reports in some media of the tragic death of Mahjabin Hakimi," volleyball's governing body told insidethegames.

"However it should be noted that there are contradictory reports as to the true cause of her death.

"Therefore the FIVB continues to seek clarification around the accurate details.

"The FIVB firmly condemns any and all forms of violence directed against other humans, in particular, healthy, young talented athletes.

"The FIVB passionately believes in the right for all to play sport without any fear, prejudice or intimidation. 

"Sport, and the values it represents, remains the bedrock of a civil, healthy society.

"The FIVB will continue to work hard with other sports organisations, Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of all who wish to play any sport."

Russian news outlet Sport.ru claim that a relative of Hakimi said "she was not killed by the Taliban in October."

"Mahjabin's death occurred on August 6 (the Taliban came to power on August 15 - Sports.ru) and her body was found in her fiancé's bathroom in Kabul," the relative allegedly said.

The source says that Hakimi's fiancé claims she committed suicide but "our family suspects that her relatives are dishonest on the part of the groom."