Skiing Afghan determined to keep sports alive

On the slopes of Bamiyan province, rivals come together to celebrate skiing in Afghanistan, a country not traditionally known for the sport. Despite challenges like the high cost and scarcity of equipment, a passionate ski community persists in keeping the sport alive. While the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 caused some setbacks, dedicated skiers like Esmatullah Haidari remain committed to preserving the tradition. According to Haidari, though ski races have lost some vibrancy, there’s still a strong desire among enthusiasts to maintain the sport. Trainer Shah Agha Rezayee believes that the love for skiing has reignited, and he dreams of seeing Afghan skiers compete in the Olympics one day. Despite the obstacles, the spirit of skiing thrives, fueled by determination and love for the sport.