Afghanistan’s national sitting volleyball team has travelled to Russia with ten athletes for a four-day international tournament. The Afghan side will face host Russia in its opening match.
Afghanistan’s national sitting-volleyball team has departed for Russia to compete in a four-day international tournament, according to the country’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
The Afghan delegation comprises ten athletes and one coach. Organisers have not yet publicly released the players’ names, complete schedule or list of participating countries.
Afghanistan is scheduled to face the Russian national team in its opening match. The remaining fixtures will pit the Afghan side against teams from other participating countries.
The Russian Paralympic Federation invited Afghanistan to take part in the competition, according to a report by Pajhwok Afghan News citing the national sports authority.
Participation will allow Afghanistan’s players to test themselves against international opposition and gain competitive experience outside the country.
Sitting volleyball follows many of the principles of conventional volleyball but is played on a smaller court with a lower net. Players must maintain contact between their torso and the floor when playing the ball.
The discipline is part of the Paralympic programme and provides an elite competitive pathway for athletes with eligible physical impairments.
Afghanistan’s national sports authority did not announce the tournament venue, participating field or match times in its initial statement. Further details and results are expected after the delegation arrives in Russia.
