In the video, we see Afghani sprinter, Massoud Azizi, preparing to participate in the upcoming summer Olympics at London. The preparation for Olympics has been tough, much tougher than it has been for athletes of the other countries. In a country struggling with war and resource crunch, athletes are doing their best and training harder to compete with the best-of-the-best in sports.
Massoud remembers the times when sports were banned during the Taliban regime. Women were not allowed to step out of their houses without full veil, let alone play sports. But, since the last decade, things are beginning to regain some semblance of normalcy. Earlier, the biggest challenge faced was of adequate security apart from poor facilities like cement tracks and lack of digital timers. The danger of a Taliban strike or suicide bombing always loomed large over their heads. They did not feel safe enough inside the stadiums despite security. But now, security has been beefed up to enable the athletes to practice without fear. The facilities for the participants have also been spruced up to provide them a better environment to train.
President Karzai has been very supportive of the sportspeople and has been helping both monetarily and morally. After Taliban took over Afghanistan, their participation in sports of all kind ceased. The country went back to participation in the Olympics in the year 2002 after the NATO forces came in. In 2002, the country sent 5 sportspeople to participate, among them two women who were the first ever women contenders to represent Afghanistan at the Olympics. In 2006 Beijing Olympics, Afghanistan won its first medal in the form of a bronze in Taekwondo that was won by Rohullah Nikpai. This is Afghanistan’s first ever medal at the Olympics.
The country hopes to better its tally this year and hopes to win a Silver or Gold as well. Massoud Azizi is optimistic of getting a medal for his country. He has prepared well and is a sprinter. He cherishes his meeting with Usain Bolt and a picture taken with his idol adorns his spartan home inspiring him to deliver his best. We hope that he and the other participants bring glory to this country struggling to find happy events in this time of uncertainty for Afghanistan.
For more posts on Afghanistan and to see some wonderful videos, do see my webtv.
