‘I was doing sports to stand for human rights for girls’ - Afghanistan’s cyclists watch as Taliban outlaws women’s sport

The Afghan girls’ cycling team have watched in horror as the Taliban have banned women from competing in sport after reclaiming control of the country.

Following the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan this year, the Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital Kabul last month, and this week the religious military organisation installed a hardline government to rule. 

As one of the first changes under the new regime, deputy head of the Taliban’s cultural commission Ahmadullah Wasiq has said women will not be allowed to play cricket and other sports because “they might face a situation where their face and body will not be covered.” 

On Monday (September 6), 41 Afghan refugees arrived in the United Arab Emirates from Tajikstan, including 25 members of the Afghan girls’ cycling team, CNN reports. 

One cyclist, who asked not to be named, said: “Oh my god it really is tough to explain our situation in words.

“The main reason I left Afghanistan is because I was not secure as an athlete. I was doing sports in Afghanistan, but nowadays that is not safe…I was forced to leave my country.”

>>> Fundraiser launched for the evacuation of Afghan women cyclists, who are currently destroying gear in fear of Taliban

The team’s former captain, Khalida Popal said: “We used to practice, we used to have competitions, we even used to compete with boys, and we were happy.

“As a girl cyclist, as an athlete, I was doing sports in Afghanistan to stand for right of humans, mostly girls. 

“I want to prove that girls are capable, that girls have the right to do what they want.” 

The refugees are being held in the UAE for processing, before they will be relocated to Canada to start their new lives.