International Sports
With the restoration of freedoms under the new government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, sports have began to flourish again. While Afghan citizens have long been interested in both traditional sports, such as Buzkashi, and international sports, the return of refugees from abroad and the closer partnership with the international community has recently strengthened the position of many sports and introduced many others.
Afghan athletes competed again in the Olympics, this time representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, in 2008 in Beijing. This particular Olympics was also significant for the nation as an Afghan, Rohullah Nikpai, won there Afghanistan’s first ever Olympic medal, a bronze in Men’s Taekwondo.
In the London Olympics, Afghans once again competed in order to show the world the resilience of the nation, the strong heart of the people, and a oneness of friendly co-participation with the world. Nikpai, the returning hero, once again showed his technique and courage, securing his second bronze medal in as many games. The following athletes participated alongside Nikpai as representatives of our nation:
![](“http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7674321008_95544e12b8.jpg")
- Rohullah Nikpai: Taekwondo – Men’s 68 kg
- Massoud Azizi: Men’s 100m
- Nesar Ahmad Bahawi: Taekwondo – Men’s 80 kg
- Ajmal Faisal: Boxing – Men’s 52 kg
- Ajmal Faizzada: Judo – Men’s 66 kg
- Tahmina Kohistani: Women’s 100m
Photo from http://www.london2012.com/country/afghanistan/ and from Xinhua
