Afghan Female Athletes Refugees in Pakistan: Football is Our Source of Hope and Strength

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in an interview with some Afghan female athletes in Pakistan and the release of a video recording of their statements, said that football for these women in Pakistan is more than just a game; it is a source of hope and strength.

In the video, the female athletes say, "When we were in Afghanistan, we played in a football team and nurtured dreams of becoming professional players through football."

They emphasize, "Although we were forced to leave our homeland, we never gave up."

Some Afghan female athletes who have taken refuge in other countries have continued to play their favorite sports.

They say, "Football gives us hope and strength. We share this hope with our team. We feel like the whole world is watching us and telling us not to give up."

This comes as the Taliban, after coming to power in Afghanistan, have deprived many women and girls of their rights, including the right to education and work. The Taliban have also imposed numerous restrictions on women's presence in public places, including banning women's sports in the country.

Meanwhile, six athletes, including three women from Afghanistan, are set to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the Taliban have stated that "We do not recognize the three Afghan female athletes who are participating in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics."

Kimia Yousufi, an Afghan athlete who is set to represent Afghanistan alongside five other athletes in these games, has said that she will represent the "stolen dreams and aspirations" of Afghan girls in these competitions.