BAMIYAN, Afghanistan: From the edge of a slope in the province of Bamiyan, competitors cheer on one another as they take turns racing down the mountainside, united in keeping skiing alive in Afghanistan.
Despite Afghanistan being home to stunning mountain ranges, such as the imposing Hindu Kush, skiing has not been widely embraced, partly due to the scarcity and high cost of equipment.
Nonetheless, a dedicated community of skiers persists, determined to advance the sport in Afghanistan, despite challenges like dwindling sponsorship and the departure of prominent skiers following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021.
According to Esmatullah Haidari, a 23-year-old leading a local ski team, the vibrancy of ski races in Afghanistan has somewhat diminished since the return of Taliban rule. However, there remains a group of passionate skiers who refuse to let the sport fade into obscurity.
Shah Agha Rezayee, a veteran skier and trainer, believes that enthusiasts have reignited the essence of skiing. He emphasizes the importance of collective effort and passion, expressing his dream of seeing Afghan skiers represented in the Olympics.
Presently, ski teams operate in at least six provinces across Afghanistan, boasting hundreds of members. Recently, many of them gathered in Bamiyan to participate in the federation’s inaugural race of the season. Clad in a mix of warm clothing and bright vests, participants trudged up the slope, lacking a ski lift. Spectators, predominantly men, cheered enthusiastically as racers of all ages crossed the finish line.
However, the absence of women racers is palpable, as the Taliban authorities have effectively prohibited women from participating in sports. This exclusion is deeply felt, especially considering that women previously constituted a significant portion of skiers in Bamiyan, according to the federation.
—AFP/APP
