Afghanistan launches cycling qualifiers in Kabul to boost national team
Event with 70 athletes marks push to revive sports under Taliban-led government, as cycling gains momentum despite limited support
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — A cycling qualifying competition featuring 70 athletes has begun in Kabul, as Afghan sports officials seek to revive national-level tournaments despite the country’s political and economic turmoil.
The National Cycling Federation (NCF) said the race started from the National Olympic Committee headquarters and stretched to the historic Darul Aman Palace on the outskirts of the capital.
According to Pajhwok Afghan News, the event is designed to identify 25 of the best athletes to compete in national championships later this month.
NCF acting director Syed Nabiullah Sadat said holding regular competitions was essential for both the development of cycling and the discovery of new talent. “This competition will help us find athletes capable of representing Afghanistan at higher levels,” he noted, adding that national-level selection races are expected within the next 20 days.
Cyclists taking part described the event as a rare opportunity in a country where sports facilities and sponsorship remain scarce. Mohammad Sharif, who has been training for three months, said he was hopeful of making the national team. “Such competitions are very important for the growth of cycling,” he said, urging the National Olympic Committee to provide more resources to the sport.
Another participant, Shafiq Azizi, echoed the sentiment, expressing satisfaction that the event was held despite Afghanistan’s limited infrastructure. “These races give athletes motivation and hope,” he said.
Cycling remains a niche but growing sport in Afghanistan, often overshadowed by more established activities such as cricket and football.
Sports analysts note that while the Taliban-led government has prioritized certain sports for international representation, disciplines like cycling rely heavily on grassroots efforts and the persistence of local federations.
For many Afghan athletes, events like the Kabul qualifiers not only provide a competitive platform but also serve as a form of resilience — proof that sport can endure in a challenging environment.
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