The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has extended a helping hand to the Afghanistan National Badminton Federation, providing sports equipment to 170 players.
Badminton has gained immense popularity in Afghanistan over the past few years and with TİKA’s support, players, referees, uniforms, scoreboards, badminton rackets and shuttlecocks, badminton mats, and other materials were procured, allowing Afghan youth access to facilities and equipment that meet international standards.
A handover ceremony of sporting equipment provided by TİKA was held recently in Kabul. The event was attended by Turkey’s embassy staff in Kabul, including Deputy Secretary Emre Manav, Afghanistan Badminton Federation President İrşadulhak Sadiqi, Afghanistan Sports and Physical Education National Olympic Committee Press Affairs Officer Atal Muşwanay, Afghanistan Information and Culture Ministry Deputy Youth Minister Hazratullah Şarifi, badminton players, sports enthusiasts, media representatives, and other guests.
Manav said at the ceremony that Turkey stands with the Afghan people and wants to make important contributions to all aspects of life, including health, education, and sports.
TİKA Kabul Coordinator Fazıl Akın Erdoğan also expressed his belief that Afghan youth will achieve significant gains in the field of sports, and that they want to show the world a normal face of Afghanistan.
Head of Taliban-run Afghanistan Badminton Federation, Irshadulhaq Sadiqi, stated that Turkey once again demonstrated that it stands with the Afghan people.
Following the speeches at the ceremony, the new equipment was distributed to players.
In collaboration with TİKA and the Afghanistan National Badminton Federation, the National Badminton Tournament and National Team Selections will be held in the capital, Kabul, from May 7-14, 2023.
Badminton matches have been suspended in Afghanistan for 2.5 years, but with the support of TİKA, Afghan youth will again have the opportunity to showcase their skills and participate in international competitions.
