In the ten years since the collapse of the Taliban regime, there have been a lot of changes in Afghanistan; we have witnessed a proliferation of hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, etc.
In addition, Afghanistan has quietly been making itself a force in Asian sports. It hasn't been easy; a lack of funds, substandard equipment, harassment from insurgents, yet they've found a way to succeed. Success does not bring with it great monetary rewards or even proper funding. However, the intrinsic pride that international glory brings to ones region and country cannot be quantified.
Everyone is well aware of the national cricket team. An unknown force in 2001, in less than a decade they had become the Cinderella team of international cricket. Now one of the top ICC Associate teams of the last two years, they have accomplished in less than ten years what it took the likes of Ireland, Canada and Scotland approximately 40 years to do. Considering the turmoil in their homeland; an initial non reaction by locals to the game, an inability to host opposing teams and limited funding, the accomplishment has been nothing short of miraculous.
A closer look shows that a number of these players grew up in Pakistan where they learnt the game and honed their skills. However, that does not begin to compensate for the obvious impediments at home. In a recent interview with cricinfo.com, national Captain, Nawroz Mangal, explains that the success of the team had converted the original indifference of Afghans to the game: "When we went back to Afghanistan from Pakistan and played cricket, the local 
people did not like it and did not understand what we were doing. They actually disapproved. But when we started to win matches overseas and progressed through the ICC divisions, they started to take notice and care." Mangal adds, "They began to feel pride in our success. Now the name of each player is known in every street and alleyway of Afghanistan. As players we want nothing more than to be successful for our country. Cricket is so popular now that people feel proud naming their babies "Karim Sadiq" or after some other Afghan player. Many people stay up all night listening to our matches on the radio, even people who don't understand cricket pray for our success."
This year, as well as next, the Afghan cricket calendar is chock full of First Class fixtures. Although they enjoyed mixed fortunes for most of this year, notable results were a 20-20 victory over Trinidad & Tobago, victories against hosts Canada in a One Day fixture as well as the Intercontinental Cup. Playing against the West Indies in September, they suffered a last ball defeat – showing that they can certainly punch above their weight. TT is one of the best countries in the world in the shorter version of the game. Victory against a solid ICC team like Canada in the Intercontinental Cup shows that they can handle themselves in the longer version of the game. Combined with the fact that the youth team recently qualified for next year's World Cup in Australia, there's a lot to smile about in Afghan cricket.
Bodybuilding has long been popular; however, now without a Taliban government to hover over them or beat them for not praying enough, the sport is flourishing with a number of stars. A few years ago Mohammad Osman Anwari, made the bodybuilding world sit up and take notice when he was crowned Mr. Austria title in 2006. He then placed 5th at the World Championships a year later. Presently, he's one of the top trainers in Vienna. Helmand, has been a cradle for the sport over the last few years. Shukrullah Helmandi, Zemarai Zaland and Hamidullah Sharzai all Helmandis won Gold at the South Asian Championships in Bhutan, last July. In a recent Channel 4 News interview with Helmandi, he explained "People are fed up with fighting and they want to enjoy sport. Sport gives you peace of mind - this is progress. The guys from Kabul are really keen to have nice bodies. They are not doing it for the girls. After all we're Muslims - we want to be good champions."
Participating in their first ever Asian Power Lifting Championships in Mongolia last year, Afghanistan walked off with first place. Leading the way was "Afghanistan's strongest man," Ali Reza Rafizada (125 Kgs), who lifted 375 Kgs. Also winning Gold were Mohammad Nader Mujadidi (100 Kgs), Jamel Arab (67 Kgs) and Ali Ahmad Shahabi (60 Kgs) – all three from Nimroz province. The reality is local Power Lifters, have been practicing the sport and competing at home without the proper protective uniforms. Despite the potential for potent injuries they continue to achieve impressive results at home and abroad. Rafizada, may have brought glory to his country and province. However, the personal rewards for him like so many of his countrymen, is minimum at best. He receives no funding at a provincial or national level. "I train hard to win Gold for Afghanistan. I'm glad that my success encourages others to participate in the sport. I have a family to support and power lifting alone can't support them. I hope that the government can find a way to support me in this area."
Helmand Governor, Gulab Mangal, is one official who believes in rewarding success. During the last year he has awarded some of the province's finer champions land to build their homes. The lucky recipients were wushu competitor Mastoo Khan, karate fighter Nasratullah Nasrat, bodybuilder Aziz Ahmad Helmandi and football player Saeed Baqir Agha.
Rohulah Nikpai, at 24, is already an Afghan sporting legend. He shocked World Taekwondo Champion, Juan Antonio Ramos, to win Bronze, at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He was greeted in Kabul as a national hero. President Karzai, gave him a house. He was also given a car by a business consortium and $ 10, 000 by Head of a communications company. As next year's London Olympics looms, Nikpai seems undaunted by the expectations of a nation. He continues to train hard; however, wishes that greater support could be given to him and others in his sport.
"We can't compare our campaign with other countries. We have lots of problems. We don't have a salary, transportation or food. We lack a lot of basic comforts and there is no really well equipped club for daily training."
He adds, "If we can go outside the country for training, I'm sure we could get better results. It's not easy to be in the Olympics. The youth are trying very hard. They want to raise Afghanistan's flag so all the world can know our country." Nothing in Afghanistan usually comes easy, Nikpai defied expectations in 2008. The Taekwondo world knows better than to underestimate him at the London Olympics.
With Afghans winning a number of medals at last year's South Asian Championships, it's obvious that this country's athletes will not be held back, regardless of IEDs, insurgents or a lack of finance.
