Two Afghan athletes have begun an approximately 1,100-kilometre cycling journey from Herat to Kabul, combining a long-distance sporting challenge with a message of solidarity and perseverance.
Maiwand Fazli and Sayed Shah Wadudi set off from the Herat provincial Department of Physical Education and Sports on Wednesday evening, September 16.
Wadudi is a member of Afghanistan’s national basketball team, while both men are known among the country’s tall athletes.
Before starting the journey, the two athletes were seen off by Mufti Abdul Rahim Rahmani, head of the provincial sports department in Herat.
Their route will take them east from Herat toward the Afghan capital, covering roughly 1,100 kilometres by bicycle.
According to information released about the journey, the ride is not intended solely as an athletic challenge. Fazli and Wadudi are also carrying a message centred on solidarity, work and perseverance.
The athletes also hope their journey will draw attention to Afghanistan’s economic, agricultural and tourism potential as they travel from the country’s west toward Kabul.
No expected arrival date in Kabul was included in the information released about the journey.
