Defying the Taliban’s restrictions, the Afghanistan women’s volleyball team on Wednesday went through their paces during a rigorous training session – dressed in lycra leggings and shirts sporting the traditional colors of red, black and green, the colors of the former government’s flag.
The team, who all live in exile, ran through an exhausting training session at a massive sports center in Hangzhou in China in preparation for their first match, set for Saturday against Kazakhstan.
Observers have noted that despite their enthusiasm and commitment, the team is unlikely to get near the knockout rounds given that their opponents are coming into the Games with organized programs, funding and government support.
The team members all live in exile – scattered across Asia but have come together at the Games with the support of Olympic officials and the global volleyball federation.
Khushal Malakzai, the secretary general of the Afghanistan volleyball federation is also in Hangzhou. He too lives in exile, after having fled the country about a year ago. Multiple threats from the Taliban, due to his support for women’s sport, drove him to leave his homeland.
Malakzai, who is also the team’s fund-raiser, said the mere fact that the Games recognizes the team is a big boost for women in the country.
“But we hope that everything will change in Afghanistan and that one day all those women who are still in Afghanistan and they hope to be a part of the team here with these girls. So we hope that everything will change and the Taliban even accepts the women. But that will take time” Malakzai said.
With little prospect of returning home, the women have rebuilt their lives in Pakistan, Iran and other countries, playing sport in exile.
But now in Hangzhou, they aim to bring hope to women athletes left behind in their homeland.
Mursal Khedri, a Pakistan-based, 24-year-old member of the team said: “It’s my big wish that maybe, maybe, maybe one day I hope that every woman, girl can (do) sport in our own country in peace and (be) so friendly with each other. It’s my hope and it’s my wish.”
