Afghan girls who fled Taliban to make historical past at UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow
Two girls are set to make historical past subsequent week after they signify Afghanistan on the UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.
Arefa, 24, and 22-year-old Mina have been coaching twice every week of their native park since February to organize for the event.
“I want to represent my country, for every Afghan girl that doesn’t have that opportunity,” Arefa advised Sky News.
“When the Taliban came to the country everything was banned for girls, every day, one more thing we couldn’t do.”
Women and ladies in Afghanistan have been banned from taking part in and competing in sport since UK and international forces left the country two years ago and the Taliban took over.
The pair arrived within the UK in October 2022, having fled Afghanistan.
“It was difficult to leave our country, our families, our friends, our future,” Mina advised Sky News
“We made a plan, we made a life in Afghanistan.
“We needed to go away to be protected and to attempt to be knowledgeable bicycle owner and enhance prospects for Afghan girls.”
The pair need to enhance prospects for Afghan girls
‘Phenomenal story’
As refugees, they spent one 12 months in hiding, fearing for his or her lives.
Once within the UK, each educated beneath the steerage of coach James Hey.
He offered them with bikes from his small biking enterprise after they arrived and shortly noticed their expertise.
“Mina and Arefa had great potential,” he advised Sky News.
“After much work, we have now been invited to participate in the UCI World Cycling Championships in Glasgow.
“Their preliminary response was certainly one of disbelief.
“Going from their province where they used to dress up as men to now being on the world stage.
“It’s an outstanding story.”
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Olympics subsequent?
The championships begin on Thursday, and the Afghan group can anticipate to compete in opposition to biking’s world finest.
Sports psychologist Maria Jacob works with the ladies to assist settle them of their new dwelling.
“It’s more than just the mental training, and the practice,” she mentioned.
“The fundamental work I am doing, is re-building. They are excited, they are already talking about the world championships, they are already talking about the Olympics.”